Member for Morwell Russel Northe has today taken the opportunity in Parliament to raise concerns around the closure of Carter Holt Harvey (CHH) and the effects on the Latrobe Valley community. Mr Northe said this is an extremely difficult time for CHH employees, their families, contractors and service providers.
“It is understood that many CHH employees have been told that their employment will cease by the end of this month,” Mr Northe said.
“Unfortunately for our community there are many unanswered questions that remain around the closure.
“This situation is absolutely dreadful for the Latrobe Valley community particularly on top of the recent closure of Hazelwood Power Station.”
Mr Northe said the State Government has thrown its hands in the air when it comes to the closure of CHH.
“Unsatisfactorily all the State Government can do is offer training to affected employees, this is not a solution the solution is real jobs and employment for these same people,” Mr Northe said.
“The Government should have done all in its power to keep CHH operating and protect jobs in Latrobe Valley.”
Mr Northe said the Labor Party who pretends to stand up for blue collared workers is not standing up for blue collared workers in Latrobe Valley with the closure of both Carter Holt Harvey and Hazelwood.
“The State Government was prepared to intervene at Alcoa Portland and ASH Heyfield but it defies belief why they won’t step in and assist Carter Holt Harvey to keep the mill running.
“The Premier and his senior Ministers often quote about the importance of jobs, yet these are just hollow words when it comes to Latrobe Valley jobs.”
Premier – “The Labor Government will get our state back to work, because every job is worth fighting for.’
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/labor-government-is-getting-victoria-back-to-work/ Treasurer Budget speech – “This Government is creating jobs, but we’re also focused on protecting jobs.
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/budgetfiles201718.budget.vic.gov.au/BP1_2017-18_Speech.pdf
Media contact: 5133 9088
