THE Federal Government "will leave no stone unturned" to secure the future of Alcoa's aluminium smelter near Geelong, the local member says.
Alcoa says it will examine the viability of its aluminum smelter at Point Henry in Geelong, which employs 600 people, because low metal prices, a high Australian dollar and input costs have made it unprofitable.
Corio MP Richard Marles said the Government was working with Alcoa and companies such as Ford to ensure their industries remained viable.
"We'll be making sure there is no stone left unturned to find out what possibilities there are to make sure that Alcoa is a part of the future of Geelong," he told ABC radio.
Mr Marles said the Opposition was "deserving of condemnation" for blaming the carbon tax on Alcoa's decision to review the Geelong plant.
He said Alcoa was very supportive of the tax and the company, which already received government assistance, would also be shielded from 95 per cent of the carbon price.
Opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey said Alcoa had admitted in its own statement the carbon price would be an extra cost.
But he refused to say if the company should be offered any more government handouts.
"It's not a simple question. Alcoa have just announced that the Point Henry smelter is losing money, and despite already receiving government assistance, they're saying they're going to review whether they keep it open," he told ABC Radio in Melbourne.
"So what you're suggesting is, if a business continues to lose money despite receiving government assistance, the Government should just increase the amount of money it's giving the business."
The Australian Workers' Union says it will work with the aluminium producer and Federal and State Governments to come up with a plan to save the smelter.
Victorian Treasurer Kim Wells has pledged to support Alcoa, however he did not specify what form that help would take.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/business/breaking-news/federal-government-will-support-alcoa-mp-richard-marles/story-e6frfkur-1226266718532#ixzz1lqZBS5ay
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