Government reportedly considers nationalising KI Dairy

UPDATE: It's being reported that the Tasmanian Government is considering legislation to temporarily nationalise King Island Dairy, or force its owners to sell it to a private buyer.

Tasmanian Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff told The Australian newspaper that the Government has sought legal advice on a "range of options" including temporary purchase of the Dairy by the Tasmanian Government.

“All options are on the table to ensure the best outcome for the King Island community and to support the continuation of King Island Dairy’s operations,” Mr Rockliff said. 

The news follows the King Island Courier's exclusive revelations last week that the Premier was concerned that Dairy owner Saputo wasn't seriously pursuing a sale of the iconic business.

EARLIER: THE State Government has called on global dairy giant Saputo to commit to selling King island Dairy as a going concern. 

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said it was becoming increasingly concerning that its foreign headquarters may not be committed to finding a buyer.

“While Saputo has publicly expressed an intent to sell the business, the Government is urging them to commit to securing the future of the iconic King Island Dairy Brand, a cornerstone of the island’s community and economy,” he said.

“The Government has brought several interested parties to the table in an attempt to secure a new owner who values the brand’s legacy and importance to Tasmania.”

Mr Rockliff said King Island Dairy is an iconic brand and an important contributor to the community and our economy.

“We have been engaging with stakeholders and exploring every possible avenue to ensure a smooth transition to new ownership that will invest in the brand and its people,” he said.

Mr Rockliff said the Tasmanian Government had provided targeted support to attract potential buyers and facilitate discussions with parties who understand the unique heritage of King Island Dairy.

“The priority remains to secure a buyer who will uphold the high standards of production, protect local jobs, and maintain the integrity of the Tasmanian brand.

“It would be a real blow to King Island if the multinational behemoth is planning to walk away from the King Island Diary brand to promote its other brands.

“We do not call out this behaviour lightly, but we will not stand idly by while a global company welshes on its responsibility to work with the Government for the benefit of Tasmania.”

King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie said there was a pathway by which we could all be winners out of this.

"I again thank the Premier for his staunch and unwavering support,” he said.

Saputo now has an opportunity to redeem its corporate reputation and depart King Island under win-win arrangements.

"I urge them to take that off ramp and help us save our legendary cheese company.

"King Island Dairy has been a legendary Australian cheese maker for well over a century before Saputo came along and deserves to continue to be a legendary cheesemaker after they move on.

"As a former KID cheesemaker myself I have never said a bad word about Saputo and even met the founding family."

“Out of great respect I would like to keep it that way,” Mr Blackie said.