Federal MPs across the Hunter have welcomed news Tomago Aluminium’s long-term future has been secured, saving thousands of jobs across the Hunter Region.
The Albanese and the Minns Labor Governments today announced a $2.5 billion joint investment that will deliver a long-term renewable energy solution for Tomago, keeping the smelter open beyond 2028 and accelerating the decarbonisation of the NSW electricity grid.
The joint investment announced today will not only secure the smelter’s long-term operations, it will advance the Hunter region’s clean energy transition.
It shows that both governments and the owners are serious about the future of aluminum production at Tomago and demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening a strategically important asset for Australia’s industrial and economic resilience.
This joint investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will secure a stronger and more resilient industrial future for the Hunter, New South Wales and Australia.
This joint investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will secure 1,000 direct jobs at Tomago aluminium and 5,000 indirect jobs across the Hunter region, supporting a stronger and more resilient industrial future for New South Wales and Australia.
Quotes attributable to Meryl Swanson, Member for Paterson:
"Hunter workers have helped make Tomago Aluminium one of Australia’s most important manufacturing assets, and today’s announcement provides certainty for the people, families and businesses who depend on it.
“As demand for aluminium continues to grow worldwide, with forecasts suggesting we’ll need around 40 percent more of it in the future, it is critical that Australia remains a producer and manufacturer of this essential material.
"We’re protecting local jobs, supporting local industry and ensuring the Hunter remains a manufacturing powerhouse for decades to come."
Quotes attributable to Pat Conroy, Member for Shortland:
“Last year, we committed to standing with workers, families and our community and fighting for Tomago, and today we are delivering.
“This is a great day for the Hunter and for NSW. This investment secures thousands of jobs and locks in long-term energy affordability and reliability for NSW.
“With this investment the Albanese Government has demonstrated its commitment to our region and a stronger and more resilient industrial future for NSW and Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy Dan Repacholi, Member for Hunter:
“The Hunter has powered Australia and made things for generations, and Tomago is a huge part of that story. Securing its future means more than 1,000 workers can keep earning a good living here in our region, while thousands more jobs across local businesses and supply chains are protected.
“This is what backing Australian manufacturing looks like, keeping a nationally important industry here in the Hunter, supporting local workers and giving families certainty beyond 2028. We’ve fought hard for these jobs, and this investment makes sure the Hunter remains an industrial powerhouse for generations to come.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Speaker Sharon Claydon, Member for Newcastle:
“This package is about protecting more than 1,000 direct jobs at Tomago Aluminium and supporting thousands more across the Hunter.
“Aluminium is essential to building the homes and infrastructure we need, as well as the solar panels, electric vehicles, wind turbines, transmission lines and other technologies powering our clean energy future.
“Backing Tomago means backing good local jobs, strengthening our regional economy and securing a stronger future for Newcastle and the Hunter.”