For media enquires, please contact:
Justin Page HJA Co-ordinator: [email protected]
‘Feds need to step up’: NSW promises funding for Tomago Aluminium in next month’s budget
The NSW government is set to reveal its contribution to a joint funding package for Tomago Aluminium in next month’s state budget, with the deal estimated to cost between $300 million and $470 million, amid ongoing negotiations with the federal government over the funding split.
Hunter Jobs Alliance has criticised the NSW government for failing to properly engage in more than five months of talks, warning that continued inaction is destroying confidence across the Hunter Region. As HJA Coordinator Justin Page said: “Why has the NSW government still not properly come to the table after more than five months of uncertainty? The NSW government needs to stop standing on the sidelines and start fighting for Hunter jobs.”
Full article: https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/9247591/state-government-to-reveal-tomago-aluminium-funding-package-in-state-budget/
April 30th, 2026
Hunter groups turn up the heat on state government over Tomago funding package
A strong coalition of Hunter organisations is calling on the NSW Government to back a 50–50 funding agreement to secure the future of Tomago Aluminium — a critical employer and cornerstone of the region’s industrial economy.
Hunter Jobs Alliance joined 15 groups in urging the state to act, highlighting Tomago’s central role in supporting jobs, supply chains, and the Hunter’s clean energy transition.
“This is bigger than one site. Tomago supports thousands of workers, contractors and supply-chain businesses across the Hunter. The priority now should be constructive negotiations that provide certainty, unlock the clean energy infrastructure needed for the future, and secure a durable long-term solution for the region,” said HJA Coordinator Justin Page.
Full article: https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/9236848/hunter-groups-urge-state-50-50-funding-deal-for-tomago-aluminium/
April 29th, 2026
Minns: ‘significant’ funds to rescue Tomago smelter, but questions hang over deal with Canberra
The NSW Government says it has reserved “significant funding” to support Tomago Aluminium in the Hunter, as negotiations continue with the Australian Government over a proposed 50–50 cost-sharing deal to secure the smelter’s future and its 1,500 workers.
Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Justin Page says an active partnership between the state and federal governments is essential to provide certainty for Tomago workers and supply chains across the region. “With a state election on the horizon, it’s a political reality that failing to support these workers, their families, and the broader industry supply chains would risk a major political backlash,” said HJA Coordinator Justin Page.
Full article: https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/9236162/tomago-aluminium-smelter-nsw-resists-federal-50-50-rescue-deal/
April 27th, 2026
Pressure rising on state government to agree to 50-50 cost-sharing deal to save Tomago
Tensions are rising in the Hunter as negotiations continue between the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government over a proposed support package to secure the future of Tomago Aluminium and its 1,500 workers. The Commonwealth has proposed a 50–50 cost-sharing arrangement with the NSW Government to help deliver a long-term clean energy solution for the smelter beyond 2028. The plant is one of the region’s largest industrial employers and uses about 12 per cent of the state’s electricity.
Hunter Jobs Alliance says reaching agreement is critical to provide certainty for workers, businesses and supply chains in the region. “We urge the NSW government to work constructively alongside the Commonwealth to deliver a viable pathway forward. That means clear policy backing, enabling the development of critical clean energy infrastructure, and committing to aligned investment, including taking on a fair share of the risk, to secure a sustainable long-term energy solution for Tomago.” – HJA Coordinator Justin Page.
March 27th, 2026
Support for thousands of workers affected by the closure of Eraring power station
The Net Zero Economy Authority has recommended establishing an Energy Industry Jobs Plan ahead of the closure of Eraring Power Station in 2029. If approved by the Fair Work Commission, the plan would ensure workers on site and in the affected supply chain can access formal transition supports. As well as the 220 workers directly employed at Eraring, there are another 200 contractors on site and up to 1,400 workers across supply chain businesses, including at Myuna Colliery.
Hunter Jobs Alliance welcomes the recommendation and says it’s essential that supply chain workers are included, as they are just as exposed to the impacts of the closure but too often miss out on support. “This process will help ensure all workers employed by businesses named in the determination have access to structured, enforceable transition support,” – Coordinator Justin Page.
March 24th, 2026
The Hunter has sent coal to South Korea for decades. Now, a delegation is here to plan a new green energy future
The Hunter region, long tied to South Korea’s coal-driven growth, is now facing a major clean energy transition as both local and international pressures push decarbonisation. A recent visit from South Korea’s Solutions for Our Climate delegation highlighted global interest in how Australia is shifting towards renewable energy and moving away from new coal projects.
Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Justin Page says, “Newcastle has potential as a green fuel production hub that will export to Korea,” highlighting the region’s role in a global low-carbon economy and the opportunities this transition presents for local workers, industries, and communities.
February 23rd, 2026
Coal miners dudded by ‘inferior’ transition help
Thousands of export coal workers in the Hunter risk missing out on federal support to retrain as demand for coal declines, with mine closures potentially displacing over 12,000 workers. Hunter Jobs Alliance supports expanding the Energy Industry Jobs Plan to include export miners, ensuring they receive the same upskilling and career transition assistance as power station employees. This will help prevent a “two-tier” system and support communities through the region’s energy transition.
Full article: https://michaelwest.com.au/coal-miners-dudded-by-inferior-transition-help/
December 12th, 2025
‘We’ve got your back’: PM visits Tomago to announce good progress on deal to secure plant’s future
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a multibillion-dollar deal is being finalised to keep Tomago Aluminium operating beyond 2028, securing thousands of Hunter jobs. The agreement, being developed with the NSW Government and Snowy Hydro, would underpin a long-term renewable energy supply to meet the smelter’s significant power needs, with a formal deal expected in the new year.
Hunter Jobs Alliance spokesperson Justin Page said the announcement showed the power of practical collaboration. “Securing Tomago’s future protects local jobs, strengthens supply chains and keeps advanced manufacturing in the Hunter,” he said. “This outcome proves that when governments, unions, industry and communities work together, we can move past the culture wars and deliver solutions that secure the region’s future.”
Full article: https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/9132423/pm-says-talks-to-secure-tomago-aluminium-smelters-future-are-moving-forward/