The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) welcomes the announcement by the Federal and NSW Governments to fund and secure the future of the Tomago Aluminium smelter.
The joint investment will secure a long-term renewable energy solution for Australia’s largest aluminium smelter, helping ensure Tomago Aluminium remains commercially viable beyond 2028 while supporting the decarbonisation of more than 10 per cent of NSW’s electricity grid.
For the AMWU, this is about more than securing an energy supply — it is about securing the future of thousands of manufacturing jobs and one of the Hunter region’s most important industrial assets.
Led by our local union delegates, this outcome protects 1,000 direct jobs and 5,000 more in local supply chains.
The investment will provide certainty that Tomago Aluminium can continue operating beyond the expiry of its current electricity supply contract on 31 December 2028, supporting workers, their families, local businesses, and communities across the Hunter.
Australia is one of a few countries in the world able to produce aluminium through a complete, end-to-end supply chain — from bauxite mining and alumina refining to smelting and advanced manufacturing. Protecting that capability means protecting skilled manufacturing jobs and ensuring Australia continues to make things here.
Governments, unions, and Tomago’s owners have been working hard to deliver this outcome for the Hunter Valley.
Quotes attributable to AMWU NSW & ACT State Secretary Brad Pidgeon:
“Tomago's future beyond 2028 has been secured. After months of uncertainty, today's announcement gives the confidence our members rightfully deserve; Tomago will continue to deliver safe secure jobs for the Hunter.”
“This is a win for working class people in the Hunter that is a testament to the tireless advocacy of our AMWU members on the job. This proves that when workers, industry, and government come together, we can secure local jobs while delivering the domestic manufacturing capabilities NSW and Australia needs.”