The shedding of jobs at the Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter should come as no surprise to the Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon because he has been constantly warned of such effects of his government’s latest tax.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams said the news that at least 49 jobs will be lost from the aluminium smelter in part because of next year’s carbon tax could be just the start.

Norsk Hydro Chief Executive Alberto Fabrini says the carbon tax is a long-term problem for his industry because of its intensive use of electricity, and Senator Williams said NSW Treasury modelling shows at least 18,000 jobs are at risk in the Hunter alone.

“This is not news to Mr. Fitzgibbon. He well knows the fears that industries in his electorate have, and any cost-cutting needed to survive generally means jobs are first to go.

But instead of taking up their concerns with the Prime Minister and her Greens and Independent allies, he has preferred to rollover and follow the mantra that only the big polluters will pay and most people will be better off.

I am sure the 49 people who are set to lose their jobs at the aluminium smelter don’t consider themselves to be better off.

It’s a Christmas present from their Federal member they could well do without”, Senator Williams said.