DAN REPACHOLI MP

MEMBER FOR HUNTER

13 September 2024

STATEMENT ON CENTENNIAL COAL JOB LOSSES

I am incredibly disappointed with the announcement made by Centennial Coal yesterday about 200 job losses at the Mandalong mine site.

The announcement is a major blow for workers and families in those communities, and my thoughts are with them.

I have spent the last 6 months working to get a deal to save the workers’ jobs on both the Myuna and Mandalong sites through until Christmas with an option to extend the deal into the future.

I am disappointed that the security afforded to Origin Energy was not shared with the workers whose livelihoods depend on supplying coal to the power station.

Whilst I understand Centennial has decided to restructure its operations to serve the export market, the announcement that they will lay off 200 workers before the current negotiations have been finalised is a slap in the face for workers.

I have spoken with the Mining and Energy Union to confirm that workers will be offered internal transfers across Centennial operations or will receive their full entitlements and access to support during these changes.

The Federal Government has a Regional Workforce Transition Officer on the ground in the area who will assist employees to understand and navigate the range of services that are available to help them in this situation.