Unified Support for Bell Bay Smelter
Joining forces with workers at the Liberty Bell Bay smelter, Tasmanian Labour is urging both state and federal governments to provide immediate support to save Australia’s only manganese smelter. This call to action was underscored by a unanimous resolution passed at multiple forums.
At the Tasmanian Labour Conference, Bell Bay worksite, a community forum in George Town, and a public rally in Regent Square, the resolution was backed, highlighting the critical importance of the smelter for Tasmania’s industrial future and Australia’s sovereign capability.
The statement reads, “We are calling on the Tasmanian and Federal Governments for urgent support to save the only manganese smelter in our nation. Workers, Tasmania and the country are better off if Bell Bay stays.”
Union and Community Rally Behind Bell Bay
Amid warnings from the smelter’s administrators about the urgent need to secure a buyer to keep the plant operational, a petition launched last Thursday has already garnered over 2,500 signatures, including more than 1,000 from the federal electorate of Bass.
Chris Donovan, Assistant National Secretary of the Australian Workers’ Union, stated, “Everywhere this question has been put – on the job, at conference, and in the heart of the community – the answer has been unanimous: Bell Bay must stay.”
Employing over 200 people directly, the smelter plays a vital role in local steel production and metals manufacturing. Its future depends on immediate government support while a long-term buyer is sought.
With the Tasmanian upper house election approaching on May 2, the issue has become a focal point in the region. The unions stress that without swift action, the site and its jobs may be lost.
Support for the smelter underscores its importance not just for employment but also for the wider community and the industrial sector in Tasmania. Potential closure poses significant risks to Australia’s industrial capability.
Recent reports have highlighted the precarious state of the smelter, emphasizing the urgency of finding a solution. The community and unions are rallying together, demonstrating a unified front to protect this crucial part of the local economy.
As the only manganese smelter in Australia, the Liberty Bell Bay smelter plays an essential role in the country’s steel production and other metals manufacturing. Its continuation is vital for maintaining Australia’s industrial independence.
Last updated: 23 April 2026, 11:17 am
