10 September 2012

The Gillard Labor Government can no longer ignore the profound impact its policies are having on the lives of working Australians, according to Tasmanian Senator Richard Colbeck.

Senator Colbeck yesterday expressed regret for the 100 workers potentially impacted by the announced closure of the JBS Abattoir.

"This will have a terrible impact on the island,"Senator Colbeck said. "It is a stark illustration of how the Labor Government's failures are playing out in regional Australia."

The company today cited a number of reasons, including power and energy prices for the closure.

"If you criticise carbon tax with this Government you are written off as some sort of flat earther," Senator Colbeck said.

"It is time for the ALP to accept that misdirected ideals are contributing to the closure of rural and regional businesses, and having a devastating impact on the lives of the same people they profess to represent."

Today's announcement follows news last week that Premium Fresh Tasmania went into voluntary administration with debts of $6.5 million.