Mr NORTHE (Morwell) — (12 293) My constituency question is to the Premier. Premier, what is the latest information with regard to your government finding new employment for those workers and contractors who have already lost their job or will lose their job very soon given the closure of the Hazelwood power station on 31 March? People in the Latrobe Valley are acutely aware of Labor’s policy to close Hazelwood, but, Premier, your party also said it would close the station gradually, and that is not happening. It is also well recognised that the current state government ripped an extra $252 million of taxes out of Latrobe Valley generators in last year’s budget, so there is no doubt at all that Labor wants Hazelwood closed. Workers and contractors are seeking two outcomes: close Hazelwood gradually, as your party promised, and initiate a pooled redundancy scheme. These people and their families want and need a real job, not just tokenistic words from your government. I therefore ask the Premier on behalf of workers and contractors: what new jobs will they be employed in post 31 March 2017?
Russell Northe
Member for Morwell
