After two weeks of Labor asking questions about transmission price rises for our under-pressure major industrials, the Liberals were finally forced to own up to the price shocks on major industrials.

It was information they had previously claimed was commercial in confidence, but yesterday confirmed prices have gone up by 13.9 per cent this year and a 10.6 per cent next year. That means prices will go up by, on average, 26 per cent over two years.

In the current climate, these increases are indefensible.

Three of our major industrials are currently under significant pressure. The Government can’t claim to be supporting our major industrials on the one hand, while simultaneously overseeing massive transmission cost increases which the TCCI have said are a question mark over the viability of these businesses.

Norske Skog is being sold, Nystar is under review and downsizing production and Liberty Bell Bay’s ownership group is under massive financial pressure.  If we want to continue to be a state that manufactures, we need to back in this industry and support these workers.

Labor will continue to fight for safe, secure, well-paid jobs.

Dean Winter
Labor Leader

Janie Finlay MP
Shadow Minister for Energy & Renewables