The announcement of a further $105 million support package to Nyrstar is welcome, particularly for the workers and community in greater Hobart. Nyrstar’s Hobart zinc works employs around 500 local workers and supports numerous contractors and suppliers across the State.
I am not an advocate for governments propping up unviable businesses. But the Hobart zinc works has inherent long-term value and is worth supporting at times like these. Like many companies in Australia right now it is needing to compete in a difficult international environment, made more difficult by predatory business behaviour by Chinese firms. Moreover investment in critical minerals is clearly important for Australia’s broader economic and national security.