November 12, 2026
The Mining and Energy Union has welcomed the Nationals’ $20 million Latrobe Valley jobs and industry pledge as a positive step and called on all parties to back the union’s $102 million Jobs for Tomorrow plan ahead of Yallourn’s closure in 2028.
MEU Victorian President Andy Smith said the announcement recognised the need to bring new industries and jobs to the Valley, but the funding fell well short of what workers and their communities have already identified.
“Twenty million dollars is a start, but it won’t touch the sides of what’s needed as Yallourn closes,” Mr Smith said.
“The Nationals should spell out where their taskforce will be based and how much of the $20 million will be spent attracting industry and creating jobs here in the Valley. How much will go towards running the taskforce, and will those jobs be in Morwell or Melbourne?”
Mr Smith said the union’s Jobs for Tomorrow plan called for investment to attract new industries, retraining for workers and income support for older workers facing the loss of their jobs.
“Workers and their families need to know what jobs and training will be available before Yallourn closes. ” he said.
“We’re asking every party to back the full $102 million Jobs for Tomorrow plan and get that work underway now. The Valley has spent generations keeping Victoria’s lights on. It deserves a commitment that matches the scale of what’s ahead.”