17 AUGUST 20124-Traders
Job cuts in Boyne Smelter another blow to the Australian aluminium industry
Edited by : AL CIRCLE
2 min read
Boyne Smelter Limited (BSL) yesterday announced it would cut 90 leadership and support jobs from its 1,200-strong workforce. It comes as another blow to the Australian aluminium industry and its employees.
"The blow-out in operating costs, taxes and over-regulation is hitting the aluminium industry hard at a time when global economic decline is already sending many businesses to the wall," said Sophie Mirabella, Shadow Minister for Industry, today.
Federal Member for Flynn, Ken O'Dowd MP, has directed his outrage at the Federal Government after the announcement today of the organisational restructure at Boyne Smelters.
"I am saddened to hear of the announcement from Boyne Smelters Ltd today which is certainly a sign of the times for the aluminium industry in Australia. We have known for a long time that conditions have been getting tougher for the industry, and understandably the company is acting to ensure its long term viability," Mr O'Dowd said.
"I am absolutely outraged that the Government has simply chosen to turn a blind eye to the plight of the industry in Queensland. The Government knows exactly what the challenges are and how real the situation is and yet they still proceeded to apply a carbon tax that has added huge pressure to their economic viability," said Mr O'Dowd.
"This is a government that has hit cruise control on manufacturing and then thrown a spanner in the engine. Their reckless and irresponsible spending has wreaked havoc on the economy's automatic stabilisers and industry now faces unprecedented uncertainty," said Mrs Mirabella.
"We have a world-class aluminium industry in Australia. They have reduced emissions by 26% since 1990 and lead the world in R&D and innovation.
"Through its introduction of a carbon tax, the Gillard Government has failed to reward the voluntary reductions already made by Australian industry and recognise the adoption of world's best practices by so many local industries.
"With the industry operating on such small profit margins, it's no surprise that the added expense of the carbon tax is the last straw for many businesses. This is further evidence that the last thing the Australian aluminium industry needs is a carbon tax," Mrs Mirabella concluded.
"The blow-out in operating costs, taxes and over-regulation is hitting the aluminium industry hard at a time when global economic decline is already sending many businesses to the wall," said Sophie Mirabella, Shadow Minister for Industry, today.
Federal Member for Flynn, Ken O'Dowd MP, has directed his outrage at the Federal Government after the announcement today of the organisational restructure at Boyne Smelters.
"I am saddened to hear of the announcement from Boyne Smelters Ltd today which is certainly a sign of the times for the aluminium industry in Australia. We have known for a long time that conditions have been getting tougher for the industry, and understandably the company is acting to ensure its long term viability," Mr O'Dowd said.
"I am absolutely outraged that the Government has simply chosen to turn a blind eye to the plight of the industry in Queensland. The Government knows exactly what the challenges are and how real the situation is and yet they still proceeded to apply a carbon tax that has added huge pressure to their economic viability," said Mr O'Dowd.
"This is a government that has hit cruise control on manufacturing and then thrown a spanner in the engine. Their reckless and irresponsible spending has wreaked havoc on the economy's automatic stabilisers and industry now faces unprecedented uncertainty," said Mrs Mirabella.
"We have a world-class aluminium industry in Australia. They have reduced emissions by 26% since 1990 and lead the world in R&D and innovation.
"Through its introduction of a carbon tax, the Gillard Government has failed to reward the voluntary reductions already made by Australian industry and recognise the adoption of world's best practices by so many local industries.
"With the industry operating on such small profit margins, it's no surprise that the added expense of the carbon tax is the last straw for many businesses. This is further evidence that the last thing the Australian aluminium industry needs is a carbon tax," Mrs Mirabella concluded.
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