Opposition infers Labor scuttled Sussan Ley’s planned visit to Tomago smelter

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has been barred from touring the troubled Tomago aluminium smelter, where she planned to hold a press conference, suggesting political game-playing by the Albanese government. 

The opposition leader’s office alerted the media to the “picture opportunity and doorstop” at the Rio Tinto-owned smelter, to be held just after 10:00am on Friday.

However, Ms Ley’s office has revealed the tour of the plant, near Newcastle, was cancelled at the last minute, but she was still granted a meeting with the chief executive Jérôme Dozol.

“I’m very happy I was able to have the meeting, I’m not reflecting on the Albanese government other than to say they need to get their act together and come up with an energy policy that actually works,” Ms Ley said.

“The Albanese government and their henchmen can play games all they like.

“I’m only interested in the workers, the production and the pride we should all have in an aluminium smelter that is the best in the world.”

In a statement, the opposition leader’s office told the ABC: “It’s a worrying sign when businesses are too nervous to have an open conversation about policy for fear of political consequences.”

Rio Tinto this week told the more than 1,000 workers that it was considering closing the 40-year-old plant because of high electricity costs.

The shock announcement has sparked opposition accusations that Labor’s energy policies, and pursuit of a renewables-dominated grid, are “killing” heavy industry.

Tomago is Australia’s largest aluminium manufacturer and largest single user of electricity, with its power bill accounting for 40 per cent of its costs.

The federal government is locked in negotiations with Rio Tinto and the New South Wales government to save the smelter, putting all options on the table, including a possible long-term power purchase agreement.

The prime minister’s office has been contacted for comment.

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