MALINAUSKAS LEAVES MOUNT GAMBIER BEDFORD WORKERS BEHIND

MALINAUSKAS LEAVES MOUNT GAMBIER BEDFORD WORKERS BEHIND

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP has condemned the State Government’s handling of the Bedford sale, saying Mount Gambier workers have been left behind after the sale of Bedford’s other assets were finalised last week.

Mr Pasin said while the Malinauskas Government has been quick to highlight certainty for metropolitan operations, the Mount Gambier site was excluded from the deal, leaving local workers without answers about their jobs or their future.

“This outcome did not happen by accident,” Mr Pasin said.

“Last year, I publicly warned that Mount Gambier staff were likely to be sacrificed unless firm guarantees were given - and that is exactly what has happened.”

Mr Pasin said the Premier was directly involved in the process but failed to provide the assurances that were repeatedly sought to protect Mount Gambier jobs, assets and operations.

“The Premier had every opportunity to guarantee that Mount Gambier workers would be protected,” he said.

“He chose not to.”

Mr Pasin said public reassurances have been offered elsewhere, while workers in the South East continue to wait for basic clarity.

“That double standard speaks volumes,” he said.

“This is another clear example of the Malinauskas Government treating country South Australians as second-class citizens.”

Mr Pasin warned that if Mount Gambier operational assets are sold off to pay down debt, including debt owed to the State Government, regional South Australians will once again be forced to carry the cost of decisions made in Adelaide, for those living in Adelaide.

Mr Pasin called on the Premier to immediately front the Mount Gambier community and provide clear answers.

“He must explain what will happen to the Mount Gambier site, what assets will remain, and what guarantees exist for local workers,” Mr Pasin said.

“Anything less is an abdication of responsibility.”

Mr Pasin said he would continue to fight for Mount Gambier workers and would not accept an outcome that strips jobs, assets or opportunity from the region and from some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.