Following the announcement that Churchill Abattoir and Baiada Poultry will close their facilities in the Ipswich area, Labor calls on the Turnbull Government to move quickly to ensure retrenched workers are given every support possible to transition into new, secure jobs including waiving the 12 month relocation assistance requirement when necessary.

The closure of the Churchill Abattoir will see 500 local workers lose their job, while the Steggles Wulkuraka closure will see up to 250 people out of work.

This is a huge loss that will be felt by many local families and the wider community.

The Turnbull Government must make sure the jobactive network targets help to these workers early and help them move quickly into new jobs.

Support to guide families through this difficult time must be driven and implemented on a local level.

Labor calls on the Turnbull Government to support flexibility of the jobactive relocation assistance requirements so that workers willing to relocate for a new job are supported.

This loss of jobs is going to be felt very quickly, with the Churchill Abattoir closing on 28 September and the Steggles Wulkuraka facility beginning to wind back as soon as October, so the Turnbull Government must act quickly to support these workers.

Labor wants to make sure that workers facing a period of uncertainty can find new, full time jobs as soon as they possibly can.

Workers need early intervention so the community of Ipswich isn’t devastated by higher levels of unemployment.

The jobactive network must be given the direction and resources necessary to partner with the retrenched employees to make sure they have the best chance possible to redirect their careers, enter suitable training and return to the workforce.

Labor will support workers and their families who find themselves facing unemployment and uncertainty about their future.