A Dean Winter Labor Government will make up to $25 million available to secure the future of more than 500 jobs at Hobart's zinc works.

This will be a fair contribution from Tasmania for a joint package involving the Federal and South Australian Government, and will be funded by reallocating the state's previous $20 million commitment to the company.

 

On day one of my leadership, I said Labor stands for safe, secure, well-paid jobs. I will not stand by and let 500 Tasmanian families lose their incomes and the careers they've worked to build.

The flow-on effect of any closure would be devastating for the Tasmanian economy.

I have spoken to the Prime Minister, Federal Minister for Industry, unions and the company and outlined our support. I have also made clear that I will provide my full support should any agreement need to be finalised during the caretaker period.

It is clear to me that the cost of not supporting Nyrstar will be greater than the cost of supporting it. 

The loss of hundreds of jobs and the flow on impact to contractors and reliant businesses would devastate the local economy as well as jeopardise the viability of other industrials.