General News
30 July, 2025
EDITORIAL: Hey Albo, time to show us you care
It's time for the Prime Minister to show Mount Isa both leadership and compassion.
Anthony Albanese is not to blame for the position Mount Isa finds itself in, but the Prime Minister is the only person left who can save the day.
Following David Crisafulli’s pathetic response on Sunday, where the Premier said that because Glencore is profitable, it should continue to run the copper smelter at a loss, it seems that a solution at the state level is not on the table.
That leaves just the federal government.
While “Albo” has been at arm’s length from all discussions between Glencore and his colleagues, there is no doubt that the final decision will be made by the PM.
North West Weekly was the first to report that $2 billion was required to keep the smelter and Townsville refinery operating, and if that figure remains correct, the Prime Minister should see it as a good investment.
Firstly, it will support thousands of jobs in North Queensland.
Secondly, it sends a message to the world, as well as all Australians – that we are serious about a Future Made in Australia.
Most importantly, it tells Mount Isa that the government cares about you and is grateful for the contribution this community has made to the Australian economy over the past century.
In April last year, when announcing his Future Made in Australia policy, this is what the Prime Minister had to say: “We will bring together in a comprehensive and coordinated way a whole package of new and existing initiatives,” he said at the Queensland Media Club in Brisbane.
“To boost investment, create jobs and seize the opportunities of a future made in Australia.
“We want to look at every measure that will make a positive difference.
“Investing in new industries – and ensuring that workers and communities will share in the dividend.”
Now is the time to back those words with actions, Mr Albanese.
As Gavin Starr from Custom Steel Fab put it, Mount Isa is holding its breath while it waits for a decision on the smelter.
We’ve already lost hundreds of jobs as a result of the MICO closure.
The future of this region is bright, but only if the infrastructure is there to support it. Mount Isa’s copper smelter is a key ingredient to the future of the North West.
Without it, it’ll be like a house of cards that will tumble in the blink of an eye.
No smelter means the certain death of Phosphate Hill and the Townsville refinery, but it also puts future copper projects at risk.
Prime Minister, show us you care.
