Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Hansard source

My question is for the Minister representing the Minister for Industry and Science and comes to the financial implosion of Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance. The Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter is one of the biggest manganese smelters in the world, is one of the greenest—thanks to our hydropower—and is one of the largest manufacturing operations in Tasmania. The 260 workers employed at the smelter are extremely worried about their future—and with good reason, as you would know.

We now know that Mr Gupta's company, Liberty Onesteel (Primary) UK granted security over its entire holding in Liberty Bell Bay to the American vulture capital firm White Oak Global Advisors. What specific measures is the government prepared to take to ensure this vital manufacturing facility and Tasmanian employer will be protected and not ravaged and sold with no regard for Australia's national interest or the future of its employees in Tasmania?