Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak about the Tahmoor Colliery, a coalmine that has supported generations of workers and families in my electorate of Hume, the future of which now hangs in the balance. About 400 people and many more service providers and contractors worked there, and it supported countless local and regional businesses right across the Wollondilly Shire and beyond. Recently, a decision was made to stand down 250 workers, around half the workforce, which was tough blow, not just for workers but for the families of any small businesses that rely on the mines. It is disappointing and, frankly, a line needs to be drawn in the sand.

For months the community has been patient—hopeful that GFG Alliance, the owner, would deliver on its promises, but patience has worn thin. GFG needs to be upfront about the future of Tahmoor now. As the local member I can't stand by and watch this continue. Last week I wrote to the mine's owner, Mr Sanjeev Gupta, and told him that enough is enough. Their management is not providing the stability, financial integrity or long-term certainty needed to keep the operations running. GFG needs to either restart the mine or sell it to someone who will. This mine is the heartbeat of our community—hundreds of jobs, local businesses and families depend on it.

Let's be honest. It didn't shut down because it wasn't profitable; the problem lies with financial issues in the broader GFG group. That's what's driven this outcome. Tahmoor is a good mine. It produces metallurgical coal—the kind that's essential for steelmaking—which goes by rail down to Port Kembla and a significant portion of it is used in the steel mill down there. It's a key link in that supply chain, supporting local jobs and our domestic steel industry. There are buyers out there. People are looking at this mine and saying: 'You can make money from this. There is no need for the workers to be stood down.'

The royalties from Tahmoor are important to the New South Wales government, and here's the thing. The mine doesn't need government subsidies. It's been operating for over 40 years and has a proud history in the region, as does coalmining more generally in the Burragorang Valley nearby. The miners just want to get back to work. They deserve better than what they're seeing now. We need a resolution and we need it quickly. The next step is simple: pay the workers, stabilise the operation and restore confidence. Tahmoor Colliery is a vital asset, not just for our region but for Australia's steel and resources industries. With the right leadership and investment I believe it can thrive again—creating jobs, supporting local businesses and delivering long-term benefits to the community.