The message from Northern Tasmania is clear; we can't afford to lose Bell Bay Aluminium.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Energy Minister Nick Duigan are responsible for taking the first step. The State Government owns Hydro Tasmania and needs to secure a fair, competitive long-term power agreement.

Once that deal is done, Premier Rockliff needs to take a clear package to Canberra and seek Commonwealth support.

The Federal Government has stepped up to support major industry in other states and has made clear it is ready to work with Tasmania too.

After the loss of Liberty Bell Bay, there can be no excuses for losing another major employer.

More than 550 direct jobs, hundreds of local businesses, thousands of indirect jobs and a critical part of Northern Tasmania’s industrial economy depend on Rockliff and Duigan doing their jobs.