Liberty Bell Bay support welcome, but job not done

Quotes attributable to Deputy Labor Leader Janie Finlay

Today’s announcement is welcome news for Liberty Bell Bay workers, their families, contractors and the whole community in the North. 

Workers have been stuck in limbo for months, not knowing what comes next. This gives them a bit of breathing room while the sale process keeps moving.

It’s a positive sign that a preferred bidder has now been named and is entering exclusive talks with the administrators. There’s still a job to finish, but this is a good step forward.

Liberty Bell Bay is not just another industrial site. It is people’s jobs, people’s mortgages, apprenticeships, businesses, and a lot of families rely on that work.

These are good, well-paid jobs. Jobs people build a life around. Jobs that put food on the table, support local businesses, back skilled work and keep regional communities strong.

When Liberty Bell Bay is operating, it means work for truckies, tradies, contractors, engineers, small businesses, pubs, cafes and servos right across around the state. 

Labor has always backed Liberty Bell Bay, and we continue to back the workers and the community.

The priority now is simple: keep workers supported, keep skilled jobs in Tasmania, and get this sale over the line.

An exclusive negotiation is a big step forward. If this means the site is up and running again by Christmas, that would be one hell of a present for workers, their families and the whole North.

Quotes attributable to Bass MP Jess Greene

Liberty Bell Bay is part of the fabric of Northern Tasmania.

Sites like this keep skills and good job opportunities in our state.

For young Tasmanians, that matters. It means they can see a future here, close to home, without having to leave the state for secure, well-paid work.

Keeping Liberty Bell Bay running matters because it is Australia’s only manganese smelter, supplying materials that go into steel, construction and manufacturing.

The unions and workers have fought hard for this site and its future, and they deserve enormous credit for never giving up on these Tasmanian jobs and the region.

There is still work to do, but today’s announcement is a positive step for workers, families and the future of skilled manufacturing in Northern Tasmania.