5 November 2025
Michael Ferguson, Liberal Member for Bass
Tasmanian Labor has the chance to send a clear and united message in the fight for the future of the Bell Bay Aluminium smelter.
Liberal Member for Bass, Michael Ferguson, will move a Private Member’s Motion, calling on all Members of Parliament to join together in support of Bell Bay Aluminium, its workforce, and the Northern Tasmania community.
“Bell Bay Aluminium is a cornerstone of the Northern Tasmanian economy, directly employing over 550 people and supporting hundreds more through a supply chain of almost 300 local businesses,” Mr Ferguson said.
“It is vital to both our economy and our nation’s sovereign industrial capability.”
The motion comes as the Rockliff Government secured the immediate future of the smelter with an in-principle 12-month power agreement, providing the time needed to work with the Commonwealth and Rio Tinto on a long-term solution.
Mr Ferguson said the Federal Labor Government has so far failed to guarantee that Bell Bay Aluminium will be included in its Green Aluminium Production Credit Scheme, despite providing substantial support to mainland smelters.
“Tasmania has done the right thing; we have invested in renewable energy, we’ve backed our workers, and we’ve fought to keep Bell Bay strong, but we can’t do it alone,” Mr Ferguson said.
Mr Ferguson said that Tasmanians expect their representatives to put the state first.
“State Labor’s constant cover for their Federal colleagues is undermining Tasmania,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Today’s motion gives Tasmanian Labor an opportunity to prove whose side they’re on.
"Will Mr Willie take a Team Tasmania approach and support this motion so that Parliament can speak with one voice for Tasmania?
“Or will he continue to let Federal Labor shortchange Bell Bay?
“And is Ms Finlay still the self-appointed Champion for Tasmania — or the Champion for Canberra?”