Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to stand with the workers of Myuna Colliery, their families and the Lake Macquarie community being treated as a throwaway item by Origin Energy. For more than three years, I've stood with the Mining and Energy Union, demanding that Origin do the right thing. For more than three years, Origin has stalled and dodged responsibilities. Let's be clear about what's actually happening here. Myuna Colliery was built for one purpose: to supply coal to Eraring Power Station. There is no alternative market for them. Origin has locked in Eraring's operation until at least 2029. They are generating power. They are selling electricity. They are making huge profits. Yet they refuse to guarantee the local jobs that make the operation possible. Around 300 direct jobs at Myuna are now on the line, along with over 1,000 jobs and more across the supply chain, not because a mine has failed but because Origin is playing corporate games. This is not the energy transition. This is not inevitable. This is a deliberate commercial decision, shifting risk onto workers, families and the community. Yesterday's short-term offer was a spin, not a solution. It provides no certainty. If Origin keeps Eraring running, it must take responsibility and commit to a genuine long term coal supply agreement. The Hunter has powered New South Wales for generations. The least Origin could do is power these jobs into the future. Sign a deal, and do it now.

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