April 22, 2026
Bell Bay Joint Unions have called today’s state and federal government commitment, providing up to $3 million to secure wages for Liberty Bell Bay’s workforce, a reprieve for workers that were on the precipice of losing their income on Friday.
But while they call it an important first step, unions warn it falls well short of what is needed to secure the site’s future.
The package, announced this morning by Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres, temporarily guarantees wages for around 220 workers at the smelter while administrators attempt to fast-track its sale.
AWU Assistant National Secretary Chris Donovan speaking on behalf of Bell Bay Joint Unions – the AWU, Mining and Energy Union (MEU), Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) and Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) – said the move provides immediate relief to workers and their families, but cautioned any realistic sale timeline will require further wage support.
“This funding is welcome and it matters – it keeps food on the table and a roof over the heads of hundreds of working families,” Mr Donovan said.
“But let’s be clear: this is a short-term lifeline, not a long-term solution. This site needs its workforce in place to be sold, and that process is likely to require months, not weeks.”
MEU General President Grahame Kelly said today’s announcement is welcome but both governments need to go further.
“Bell Bay workers have received some good news this morning, but unfortunately it’s not good enough,” said Mr Kelly.
“We need to see more money flowing to ensure certainty for local families as the sale of the smelter is finalised.
“Local workers should not have to pay the tab for the collapsing GFG empire whose financial mismanagement led to these problems.
“The government is not responsible for this economic vandalism, but they do have a duty to avert potential economic disaster.”
Liberty Bell Bay, Australia’s only manganese smelter, entered voluntary administration on March 23 after a protracted dispute between creditors and former owner GFG, with EY appointed to oversee administration.
Despite strong market interest and expectations of an accelerated sale, industry experts and unions have consistently warned that securing a buyer for such a unique, strategic asset cannot be rushed.
Mr Donovan said the smelter’s importance to Tasmania and the national economy demanded a more sustained intervention.
“This is a nationally significant asset – the only one of its kind in Australia – and it supports hundreds of direct jobs and hundreds more in the community,” he said.
“You can’t flick the switch on a sale like this and hope for the best. If it’s even possible to rush a sale, that risks undermining the very jobs we’re trying to save.”
The AWU reiterated its call for both levels of government to extend wage guarantees to ensure the smelter’s workforce remains in place during administration.
“What workers need now is certainty – not just for the next pay cycle, but for the months ahead,” Mr Donovan said.
“We are calling on governments to build on this first step and commit to the ongoing support needed to see this through. Anything less puts jobs, families and an entire regional economy at risk.”
Bell Bay Joint Unions will continue working with administrators, governments and potential buyers to secure a sustainable future for Liberty Bell Bay and its workforce.