Portland Aluminium Smelter

Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources,  David Southwick

Comments attributable to Shadow Energy Minister David Southwick
Daniel Andrews’ reckless energy policies continue to cloud the future of the Portland Aluminium Smelter with yesterday’s power price surge and network failure placing immense pressure on Portland’s biggest employer.
Thanks to Daniel Andrews, households yesterday saw power prices soar on average by 10% and higher for businesses.
With Labor getting its way to close Hazelwood at the end of March 2017, these power price rises are just the beginning with more increases in store for Victorian electricity customers and energy-intensive businesses.
Daniel Andrews needs to take responsibility for his destructive energy policies and fix the mess he has put Portland in.

Comments attributable to Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell MP
The closure of the Portland Smelter would be catastrophic for the South-West Coast and the Victorian economy.
Daniel Andrews has been silent and nowhere to be seen on the possible closure of the Portland Smelter.
Daniel Andrews needs to take his head out of the sand and immediately outline a clear plan to support the 2500 direct and indirect jobs supported by the smelter and the Portland community.

Media contact: Alexander Baranikow 0438 838 322 alexander.baranikow@opposition.vic.gov.au