Gippsland › Latest news › Emma Kealy MP
Gippsland communities suffer as Andrews Labor government favours inner city voters over local jobs
Gippsland communities have been left reeling after the Andrews Labor government hit another nail into the Victorian native timber industry's coffin.
Workers at Australia's last white paper manufacturer - Opal, in Maryvale - were told the mill will close after the Labor government's failure to supply timber. It is estimated 200 workers will lose their jobs after a court order halted VicForests timber harvesting operations across the state last year.
Without support it is expected there will be a significant impact to workers, their families and the wider local business community
Needs employment support
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, said the company was forced to make the hard decision after no other sources of hardwood were available. "Labor has failed not only the workers at Opal and the local economies that rely on the mill, but the industries that can no longer source local paper such as newspaper and other printers."
"The Liberals and Nationals have been supporters of Victoria's native forest industry and taken this fight to Parliament many times. Legal loopholes have meant Gippsland communities are suffering, all because the Andrews Labor government has been garnering favour with inner-city voters. Victoria's sustainable native timber industry is world-class, yet it has been brought to its knees by Daniel Andrews and his Ministers." Ms Kealy said.
Ms Kealy said Labor must ensure workers impacted are supported to find other employment in the region. "The Andrews Labor government must ensure it looks after these workers who have lost their livelihoods."
Pictures from Australian Paper Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Darren Chester calls for stop to rural health merger citing risks to Gippsland services due to lack of consultation, secrecy and autonomy lossNicholson Primary School students get chance to discuss Parliament while receiving certificates from Darren Chester
Russell Broadbent urges government budget accountability to alleviate cost-of-living pressure to tackle inflation and alleviate cost-of-living pressures following the Reserve Bank decision
Senators to reject Fresh food tax after report reveals lack of clarity and adverse impact on farmers and families
APS Drainage and Civil selected for culvert relining on Loch-Kernot Road in Bass Coast Shire from 13 May 2024 with $750,000 budget
Community feedback wanted on new policy for celebrating significant dates in Baw Baw Shire by 31 May 2024
Latrobe City Candlelight Vigil honoured domestic violence in 2024
Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 17 April 2024
Cann River fire damages three commercial properties and burns popular Squires Cafe to ground
Community feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024