When Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull arrived at the Portland Aluminium Smelter on Friday, the first thing he did was head into the buzzing crowd of workers to take selfies with them.
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The smelter’s employees – who number 650 directly and more than 1000 indirectly – remained the focus as Mr Turnbull announced a $30 million lifeline for the company on Friday.
“It’s great to be here with the premier and my ministerial colleagues and local members but above all with you – the men and women of Portland Aluminium,” Mr Turnbull said.
“Today we’ve reached an agreement to ensure that you have the financial support, the energy you need to keep going with this great plant, the largest exporter in Victoria – well done to you.”
Mr Turnbull said the state and federal governments had joined forced to stand up for Australian jobs, however, the state government’s contribution remained secret.
He conceded the fault which caused a five-hour power outage at the smelter in December should never have happened.
“We are determined to open wide more doors for your product to give you greater opportunities to sell but you’ve got to have affordable electricity,” he said.
“It’s wonderful to be here with you supporting you – we stand with you. It’s a great day for Portland, it’s a great day for Portland jobs.”
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said the new agreements were great news for the south-west.
“Thank you to your workforce and all the contractors,” Mr Tehan said.
“It has been a tough time since December 1. What we’ve seen today is what can be achieved if you have a community-first approach.”
Mr Tehan said parties involved had put politics aside and focused on the community and made reference to opposition to providing financial aid to Alcoa.
“To all those who said it would be easier if this closes, I hope your soy lattes are tasting very, very ordinary this morning,” he said.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the deal had required a considerable contribution from the state government.
“This deal, this arrangement that secures the future of this smelter, your jobs, your families, this city, this district, has cost a lot – it has cost a lot of money but I’m here to tell you today – you are worth it, you’re worth every cent,” Mr Andrews said.
It was recently estimated the smelter has received $4 billion in state government subsidies over a 30-year period.
The premier conceded the last few months had been very difficult, particularly for staff and their families.
“This is all down to you, down to your hard work, your efficiency, your commitment, your passion,” Mr Andrews said. “You should give yourselves a big round of applause for the work you do every day.”
In addition to financial contributions from the state and federal governments, Alcoa has struck a new deal with power supplier AGL.