Member for Morwell Russell Northe has raised a number of important matters in State Parliament this week, including concern over rising unemployment in the Latrobe Valley, the impact of the State Governments massive increase on coal royalties and his opposition to the Governments Renewable Energy (Jobs and Investment) Bill 2017.
Mr Northe said that conversations surrounding unemployment in the Latrobe Valley should not be ignored as in the last two years the unemployment rate in Latrobe City has grown by 2.9% and an additional 1,119 people have become unemployed.
“And these statistics are up until March 2017 so they don’t even factor in those who have lost their jobs with Hazelwood Power Station and Carter Holt Harvey”, Mr Northe said.
Mr Northe said it was critical that the State Government helped to facilitate the construction of a new High Efficiency Low Emission coal fired power station in the Latrobe Valley.
“In addition all levels of Government should be doing their utmost to employ local people and utilise local businesses and services on not only projects but for normal business activities”, Mr Northe said
Mr Northe also asked a question of the Treasurer in Parliament about the Governments trebling of the coal royalty tax and the impact this has had on Latrobe Valley businesses and workers.
The Government had anticipated receiving an extra $88 million in taxes from Hazelwood Power Station, but given the Station is now closed Mr Northe expressed his concern that the Government would further increase coal royalties for the remaining mine operators to make up this shortfall.
And in his opposition to the Governments Renewable Energy (Jobs and Investment) Bill 2017, Mr Northe spoke about the problems South Australia has encountered by introducing a similar legislation.
“The last thing Victoria needs is even higher energy prices, further threats to security of supply and a more job losses, but this is what this legislation would do”, Mr Northe said.
Please find below a link to Russell’s speeches in Parliament this week.
http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/a52ed3c0-7c72-400e-ae2b-e4d6af88c4b2/1/doc/
http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/a52ed3c0-7c72-400e-ae2b-e4d6af88c4b2/2/doc/
http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/a52ed3c0-7c72-400e-ae2b-e4d6af88c4b2/3/doc/
http://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/614a3dd9-04c3-452a-9cad-a823b0127cf3/1/doc/
For all media queries please feel free to contact Russell directly on his mobile phone or at his office on 5133 9088
