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Category: Government and Politics / Corporate Governance / Business, Economics and Finance / Mining Industry / Clive Palmer / Federal Government

MP brought to tears as Government announces help for Queensland Nickel workers

Friday, 15 Apr 2016 08:32:20

Local federal MP Ewen Jones says no Queensland Nickel worker wants to take taxpayer money. (ABC News)

A federal Queensland MP was brought to tears while describing how the Government will pursue Clive Palmer for money owed to former nickel refinery workers.

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash is bringing forward payments to the workers under the Government's Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) scheme, meaning taxpayers will foot the bill.

Senator Cash said releasing funds from the FEG scheme would make the Commonwealth one of Queensland Nickel's largest creditors.

It will then pursue Mr Palmer for the funds through a special liquidator.

Ewen Jones said none of the former Queensland Nickel workers wanted to take taxpayers' money.

"The big announcement here that I see in Townsville, that we will pursue the management of Queensland Nickel to ensure that we are a creditor of Queensland Nickel," the MP for Herbert he said.

"We will pursue that money that taxpayers are owed. It's the measures we want to get through to the Queensland Nickel employees.

"Because this is really important for Townsville."

Senator Cash said while the Government could assist, it was not responsible for the demise of the business.

"Unfortunately it could have all been avoided," she said. "A viable enterprise has been run into the ground by its managers and former owners.

"We should all be very clear where responsibility lies for this mess. It lies fairly and squarely with Clive Palmer."

The FEG was set up under the Howard government to ensure employees received their unpaid entitlements, and normally kicks in once a company is in liquidation.

The $73.9 million bill will be the largest payout under FEG for a corporate collapse.

AustraliaPlus


 

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