Today’s announcement is devastating for Alcoa workers in Geelong and Yennora and their families.

 

It is very saddening news for families in Geelong.  This city has been amongst the hardest hit by job losses in the car manufacturing industry – today’s announcement will cut deep.

 

I’ve spoken to Alcoa management in Geelong this morning and I know this news is hard for them too, along with workers and their families.

 

It’s clear that a global oversupply of aluminium, dramatically falling aluminium prices and a high Australian dollar made the continuation of these operations impossible.

 

The Opposition is pleased the Portland Aluminum smelter in Victoria will continue normal operations, as will Alcoa’s bauxite mining and alumina refining operations in Western Australia.

 

The Abbott Government must provide adjustment packages for these regions and a transition assistance for these workers.  Labor stands ready to work with the government to ensure this happens as soon as possible.

 

There will be families in Geelong and Western Sydney today wondering what is next for them – our immediate focus has to be on supporting these workers.

 

We need a plan for these workers, just like we need a jobs plan for the tens of thousands of car industry workers and others who are losing their jobs.

 

TUESDAY, 18^th FEBRUARY 2014

 

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