Liberty Bell Bay jobs crisis: Albanese government steps in

Federal industry minister Tim Ayres has weighed in on the looming job crisis at Liberty Bell Bay, following the manganese smelter’s announcement to drop back to “limited operations”.

Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Federal industry minister, Senator Tim Ayres, has committed to working closely with the Tasmanian government to head off a looming job crisis at Liberty Bell Bay, following the manganese smelter’s announcement it was dropping back to “limited operations”.

After Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, called for federal assistance following the LBB decision – which the company blamed on interruptions to domestic manganese supply, and price volatility triggered by new US trade tariffs – Minister Ayres confirmed the Albanese government had established a “rapid assessment team” to help determine the best course of action for the smelter, and its workforce.

“The Tasmanian government has been engaging with LBB, as is proper,” Minister Ayres said on Tuesday.

“With respect to Premier Rockliff, a commercial outcome here will be best for workers and the smelter’s future as a successful exporter.

“We are working with the Tasmanian government to determine the right course of action.”

Liberty in Bell Bay. Picture: ABC/pool

The Tasmanian Premier said that after engaging with the Prime Minister directly about federal support for one of Tasmania’s largest employers — where up to 250 workers have reportedly been asked to take any leave owing — he had also been briefed by LBB on the siltation, and had also met with the George Town mayor, Greg Kieser.

Mr Rockliff said he expected the federal government “to do all it can” in support of steel-making capability in Australia, and to secure the Tasmanian operations’ future.

“I made it clear to the Prime Minister that Tasmania expects the Federal Government to play a pivotal role in securing supply chain opportunities, acknowledging their Future Made in Australia policy, which seeks to strengthen sovereign capability,” Premier Rockliff said.

“The federal government’s Critical Minerals Strategy lists manganese, and the United States also designates manganese as a critical mineral.

“I expect that, should Federal Government support be required to secure the operations and future of our manganese smelter, they’ll be afforded the same opportunities that were offered to other smelters.

“I acknowledge this is a very difficult time for Liberty workers and the broader community.”

Labor spokesperson for Energy and Renewables, Janie Finlay, said despite the Opposition raising ongoing concerns about energy cost rises for Tasmania’s major industrials, the situation at the northern Tasmanian smelter was now reaching a crisis point.

“For more than six months, industry experts, unions, and local stakeholders have been raising concerns about ore supply pressures and uncertainty surrounding GFG finances,” Ms Finlay said.

“If the Premier didn’t know what was happening at Liberty Bell Bay, he should have just said so, instead of making it up.

“Labor Leader Dean Winter and I have been in constant contact with the company, and its workforce through the Australian Workers Union.

“This is a critically important local business of national significance - not just for the 300 workers and their families, but for the broader regional economy and Tasmania’s industrial future.”

Originally published as Liberty Bell Bay jobs crisis: Albanese government steps in