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More than 40 jobs to go at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley as Allan Labor government continues to break promises

Scrutiny mounts on the Allan Labor government as it breaks a 2019 promise, announcing more than 40 jobs to go from Opal's Maryvale paper mill. Concerns escalate over job security and economic repercussions in the Latrobe Valley.

By news@gippsland - 8th March 2024 - Back to News

Another broken promise from the Allan Labor Government has been exposed, with 220 jobs to be cut from paper and packaging company Opal. Labor pledged in 2019 that the jobs would be secure until at least 2050. The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, expressed deep concerns about the recent devastating blow.

The Allan Labor government faces scrutiny as more than 40 jobs from Opal's Maryvale paper mill are slated for cuts, breaking a 2019 promise. Concerns deepen over job security and economic impact in the Latrobe Valley

Job losses hit Latrobe

Mr Cameron said, "It's another dagger in the heart for the Latrobe Valley. In early 2023, when Opal shut the white paper manufacturing part of the facility, it cost over 200 jobs. With another 220 set to go from Opal, it is now projected more than 40 jobs will be lost at Maryvale. With the cost of living crisis deepening, it is devastating for these workers."

Premier Jacinta Allan faced tough questions from the Leader of The Nationals, Peter Walsh, this week on the broken promise. "Labor has failed these workers with their policies on energy and timber supply," Mr Walsh said.

Accountability evaluation

Premier Allan's attempt to deflect blame onto past administrations and external factors such as bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic only served to highlight the lack of proactive measures taken by the current government to protect local jobs and industries.

Such dismissive responses underscore the government's disregard for the livelihoods of hardworking Victorians and its failure to address the root causes of job insecurity in the region. Premier Allan's incoherent and unthoughtful responses only serve to highlight the urgent need for change and genuine commitment to the well-being of all Victorians.

Pictures from AMWU Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com