Senator Payman 'dismayed' at Kwinana closure
Senator Fatima Payman
MEDIA STATEMENT
Western Australia’s only independent senator, Fatima Payman, says she is “dismayed” by Alcoa’s decision to close its Kwinana refinery.
“The Kwinana Alumina refinery has been a big part of WA’s economy and the culture of the southern suburbs since the 1960’s and its permanent loss will be felt heavily by the community," Senator Payman said.
“My thoughts today are with the hundreds of people who will lose their jobs, as well as their families.
“Foreign companies like Alcoa dig out the resources that belong to West Aussies and as part of this social compact they should be looking at ways to value-add rather than cost-cut, otherwise State and Federal governments should reconsider giving access to these minerals at all.”
The Senator will be exploring the urgent need for value adding, as well as general manufacturing diversification, at Senate Budget Estimates in Canberra next week.
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