2015-09-30
Economic modelling by the Maritime Union of Australia has confirmed that hundreds of Tasmanian jobs will be lost if the Liberal Party’s changes to coastal shipping laws go ahead.
The modelling shows 382 jobs will be lost from Bass Strait shipping, with some 60 per cent coming from Tasmania.
Australian Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim called on the Government to dump the changes and start looking after Australian jobs.
“These figures are confirmation of the disastrous effect that the Liberals’ coastal shipping laws will have on Tasmanian jobs,” Senator McKim said.
“More than 200 workers are now facing the sack, and for that they can thank the Liberal members for Bass, Braddon and Lyons, as well as their mates in the Senate.”
Senator McKim said the Greens would stand up for Australian workers and their conditions.
“Caltex cutting jobs in Devonport was just the tip of the iceberg. This Government is taking the axe to Australian workers’ jobs and ruining the conditions for the workers who are left,” Senator McKim said.
“The hard working seafarers and shipping workers of Tasmania deserve better than to have their jobs thrown away by this heartless Government.”
“The Australian Greens will continue to fight these unfair, job-destroying laws.”