Confirmation today that Boag’s Brewery plans to move production for mainland customers out of Tasmanians and axe 15 jobs is terrible news for the northern economy and tragic for the people involved.
Labor leader Dean Winter said the fact Tasmania will no longer brew beer sold on the mainland—including Boag’s beer itself—is a very sad day for an iconic Tasmanian business.
“Tasmania has already lost 5,000 jobs in the past year, businesses have been going bust at an alarming rate, and record numbers of young people are leaving for the mainland.
“News of job losses at such a proud Tasmanian business will only further damage confidence in the Liberal-Lambie Government’s ability to manage the Tasmanian economy.
“While our thoughts today are with the affected workers, we also hope this is a wake-up call to the Liberal-Lambie Government that their approach to the economy isn’t working,” Mr Winter said.
Shadow Minister for Energy Janie Finlay noted the significant hurdles the company had faced from the State Government in recent years.
“In recent years, Boag’s has been badly let down by the State Government. Record high power prices, significant unresolved issues with TasWater and the government’s refusal to consider sensible changes to their container deposit scheme have all cost the business dearly,” she said.
Labor Member for Bass Michelle O’Byrne highlighted the impact on the company’s workers and Tasmania’s brand.
“This is a terrible result for the Tasmanian economy and the jobs of workers at Boag’s Brewery.
“People drinking Boags expect the product to be Tasmanian made and produced. It is Tasmania’s beer of choice and linked with our Tasmanian brand.
“Based on this decision, if you are drinking Boags on the mainland, you will soon be drinking mainland-made beer.
“It is important that Boags remains truly Tasmanian, and the Government needs to provide assurances that the long-term future of the brewery is secure.”
Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Jobs, Workplace Relations and Safety
Michelle O'Byrne MP
Labor Member for Bass
Janie Finlay MP
Shadow Minister for Energy
Labor Member for Bass
