Up to 1000 jobs are in immediate jeopardy at the Tomago Aluminium smelter, with reports indicating the plant may be forced to shut down due to soaring energy prices.

The revelations are a devastating reminder of the consequences of Labor’s reckless, ideology-driven energy policies.

Tomago CEO Jerome Dozol confirmed that “all market proposals received so far show future energy prices are not commercially viable.”

Last week, the CEO of Jamestrong in Taree warned the “annual power price for our factory has almost doubled in four years” as Australia abandons reliable baseload coal and gas generation.

Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, said the blame lies squarely with Labor’s refusal to confront the real causes of our metals manufacturing decline.

“Labor has sat idly by while industrial powerhouses collapse under their Safeguards tax, renewables-only energy agenda, and uncompetitive workplace laws,” Senator McDonald said.

“Ministers are refusing to accept reality in their pursuit of renewables madness. This abject failure of policy leaves our supply chains vulnerable, kills Australian jobs, and destroys our sovereign capability. We cannot compete with countries that support industry while we sabotage ours.”

Monday’s forced release of briefing documents confirms the Government already knows retail electricity prices are set to rise again, but Labor refuses to accept reality and invest in baseload power.

“If renewable energy is cheaper, then why can’t Tomago lock in an affordable contract? Labor’s priority must be cheaper energy for Australians, not pie-in-the-sky targets that are hurting people and businesses,” said Senator McDonald.

“It’s not just Tomago, it’s every smaller manufacturer and supplier who depends on them. More job losses, more closures, more communities left behind — that is Labor’s legacy unless it changes course now.”