Today’s announcement by international company Lion concerning Launceston’s Boag’s Brewery is very disappointing.
Jobs are the number one priority of the Hodgman Liberal Government; and our thoughts go out to those workers and their families affected by this decision.
While the company has not requested assistance, the Government has ensured the Department of State Growth’s Skills Response Unit is available to help workers in this difficult time.
Lion’s decision is disappointing, but it is important to note that it has occurred against a trend of strong jobs growth in Tasmania, including in the North.
Recent ABS data showed that unemployment for Launceston and the North-East has fallen 1.4 per cent since the March 2014 election, with 4200 jobs created across the Greater North.
The decision also highlights the importance of the Government’s unwavering focus on jobs as our number one priority, and specific measures to benefit the North such as the UTAS expansion project.