The Nationals have taken aim at new Premier Ben Carroll over his central role in promising hundreds of manufacturing jobs for the Latrobe Valley that never materialised.
Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, said that in 2018, then Labor Industry Minister Ben Carroll visited Morwell and promised a new SEA Electric vehicle manufacturing facility would create 500 jobs for the region following the closure of Hazelwood Power Station.
“The reality is that none of the promised jobs were delivered and not a single electric vehicle rolled off a production line in Morwell,” Ms Bath said.
“It’s another stark example of Labor making big promises to Latrobe Valley workers and then abandoning them.”
Less than a month before the 2018 state election, Mr Carroll publicly promoted the SEA Electric project and its benefits for the Latrobe Valley, stating:
“Thanks to the hard work of the Andrews Labor Government, local businesses, workers and families the Valley’s future is bright.
The Andrews Government’s partnership with Australian owned SEA Electric will see a massive new electric vehicle factory set up in Morwell, creating 500 jobs.
We’re going to make the Latrobe Valley Australia’s capital for electric vehicles.”
Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron said Labor’s handling of the Latrobe Valley’s economic transition was an epic failure.
“Ben Carroll may want to distance himself from past Labor Premiers, but he cannot escape his personal track record – as a key member of Cabinet and Deputy Premier he has been directly involved in the decisions that have left our community worse off,” said Mr Cameron.
“Labor’s job promises came with great fanfare, but left locals empty handed – workers were told new opportunities were on the way, but they vanished into thin air.
“Locals have long memories and they deserve honesty, accountability and a government that delivers on its promises.
“Labor has systematically closed our industries and wiped its hand of its responsibilities to workers and their families.”
Ms Bath said The Nationals have a plan to restore confidence, strengthen the economy and deliver for regional Victoria.
“We are committed to delivering the reset Victoria needs, including a stronger economy, lower costs for families and businesses, and a fair share for regional communities,” Ms Bath said.
