Coalition, Labor both promised $50m to this business. No one knows why

During the last election the major parties pledged funds to a run-down Hobart zinc smelter without proper advice. This is why it matters.

Scott Morrison visits Nyrstar’s Hobart smelter in 2022. SMH

Ronald MizenPolitical correspondent

Oct 24, 2024 – 9.12am

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Scott Morrison’s visit to Nyrstar’s Hobart zinc smelter three weeks into the 2022 federal election was typical of his campaign. Hard hats, high-vis vests, lots of photo opportunities, and a nice big funding announcement for the host organisation.

In this instance, Morrison promised Nyrstar $50 million towards a $400 million overhaul of its 107-year-old zinc smelter. The Tasmanian Liberal government committed a further $20 million towards the project on the fringe of the state’s capital.

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Ronald MizenPolitical correspondentRonald Mizen is the Financial Review’s political correspondent, reporting from the press gallery at Parliament House, Canberra.