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Andrews Labor Government refuses to reveal what it knows of Hazelwood closureDaniel Andrews is leaving the Latrobe Valley in the dark on what he knows of the possible closure of Hazelwood power station, Member for Morwell Russell Northe said. By Portal Admin - 3rd November 2016 - Back to News The closure of Hazelwood would leave hundreds of local people without a job and despite Labor first slating the station’s shutdown in 2010 the Andrews Government does not have a transition plan for the future.
Mr Northe said Hazelwood’s uncertain future continued to cause angst for local residents and businesses in a speech to Parliament this week.
"The Latrobe Valley is in the midst of a jobs crisis, but Daniel Andrews has no plan for the future of hundreds of workers that would be out of a job if Hazelwood were to shut down," Mr Northe said.
"Labor first slated the closure of Hazelwood six years ago, but Daniel Andrews has left workers in the dark when it comes to their jobs and Latrobe Valley’s future."
So far, Labor has:
Abolished or put on hold a number of economic development, community and training programs in the Latrobe Valley
Imposed hundreds of millions of dollars in tax on Latrobe Valley generators
Left the community in the dark on their discussions with Hazelwood owner Engie, even following a recent meeting in Paris
Failed to announce a coal policy
"The Andrews Labor Government’s secrecy has led to significant uncertainty and falling business and investment confidence in our region," Mr Northe said.
"Business, industry, unions and community want to see one plan with real outcomes that will minimise the impact of a shutdown of Hazelwood on the Latrobe Valley.
"So far, their calls have been ignored by the city-centric Labor Government.
"Daniel Andrews must come clean on what he knows of Hazelwood’s future and get to work on a transition plan that will secure the future of people who live and work in the Latrobe Valley."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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