Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Thousands indeed. In Tasmania, the home state of Senator Bushby and Senator Abetz, 521 full-time employees, plus another 91 contractors and many others are dependent on the Nyrstar plant. In Port Pirie, in my home state and your home state, Mr Deputy President, Nyrstar has some 670 full-time employees as well as 110 contractors. We both know and appreciate well and truly just how reliant Port Pirie is on the jobs and support that a company like Nyrstar provides. Without that support, that town is in significant strife. That is why we need clear advice and consultation from the government and why companies like Nyrstar need some clear direction.

We saw the South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, after this issue flared up decide that he had to make a—no doubt politically motivated—mercy dash to Port Pirie the other week. Off he dashed to meet briefly with the executives. At least that was one step better than what we have seen from Minister Wong. He did set foot on the ground of Port Pirie, which I note is in Minister Wong’s home electorate as well. Perhaps rather than expecting them to come to Canberra she could go and consult with them in her own electorate.