MEDIA STATEMENT
Western Australia’s only independent senator, Fatima Payman, says she is “dismayed” by Alcoa’s decision to close its Kwinana refinery.
“The Kwinana Alumina refinery has been a big part of WA’s economy and the culture of the southern suburbs since the 1960’s and its permanent loss will be felt heavily by the community," Senator Payman said.
“My thoughts today are with the hundreds of people who will lose their jobs, as well as their families.
“Foreign companies like Alcoa dig out the resources that belong to West Aussies and as part of this social compact they should be looking at ways to value-add rather than cost-cut, otherwise State and Federal governments should reconsider giving access to these minerals at all.”
The Senator will be exploring the urgent need for value adding, as well as general manufacturing diversification, at Senate Budget Estimates in Canberra next week.
Contact details:
Jeff Waters
Media and Communications Adviser
Mobile 0473 930 824 (Text preferred)
Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices
Level 7, 1 The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000
Australian Parliament House
S1.46, Parliament Drive, Canberra ACT 2600
All mail to: GPO Box B58, Perth WA 6838
Perth 08 6245 3322 | Canberra 02 6277 3286 | Mobile 0438 002 223
