The Nationals have challenged the Allan Labor Government for its part in the ongoing industrial dispute between Opal Australian Paper and employees at the Maryvale Mill.
More than 300 workers have been locked out of the mill after protected industrial action, as negotiations between the CFMEU and Opal enter their third week.
The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, and Leader of The Nationals, Danny O’Brien, met with mill workers in State Parliament today.
“Over the last few weeks I have met with local union representatives who have reaffirmed employees are ready, willing, and able to reach an agreement and return to work at the mill,” Mr Cameron said.
“Workers are under immense strain and are understandably concerned about how they will provide for their families with no end in sight to this dispute.
“The Maryvale Mill is one of the Latrobe Valley’s biggest employers, and the impact of these protracted negotiations is far-reaching for our community and our economy.
“I have written to Opal and reiterated the importance of brokering a deal that’s fair for both workers and the company, because the reality is that our region cannot afford to lose another major employer.
“Labor’s decision to shut the native timber industry has had an enormous impact on the Maryvale Mill’s operations and placed Opal under financial pressure.”
During Question Time today, Mr O’Brien demanded answers from Jacinta Allan about what Labor is doing to ensure mill workers don’t lose their jobs.
“Labor’s disastrous forestry policy has cut supply to the Maryvale Mill, and Opal has directly credited the shut-down of the native timber industry as threatening the viability of its operations,” he said.
“The former Premier promised mill workers their jobs were secure up until 2050, but the rug was pulled out from underneath them when Labor reneged and shut the industry prematurely.
“This caused the loss of 200 jobs at the Maryvale Mill because white paper production stopped, and now another 300 workers have been locked out during a cost-of-living crisis.
“It’s not good enough for Jacinta Allan to scold Opal and pass the buck when her government has played a leading role in creating this mess.”
