Labor open to state ownership of King Island Dairy

THE Tasmanian Labor Opposition say they are open to state government ownership of King Island Dairy (KID) amid buyer uncertainty. 

During a visit to King Island, Tasmanian Labor Party Leader Dean Winter said that Labor will work collaboratively with the Tasmanian Government as they seek to find a credible buyer that’s committed to continuing manufacturing operations and jobs on King Island.

Earlier this month, Premier Jeremy Rockliff revealed that the State Government was exploring the option of temporarily purchasing KID, as concerns grew over whether global dairy giant Saputo, which currently owns the dairy, would be committed to finding a suitable buyer.

Mr Winter, who was joined on the Island over the weekend by Braddon MP Anita Dow and Shadow Primary Industries Minister Janie Finlay, said that Labor “would support government options that keep King Island Dairy on the island if a buyer can’t be found.”

He added: “We don’t know what nationalising looks like and we need definition, but we will support actions that helps keep the King Island Dairy and its brands.”

“We understand the impact of the closure of King Island will have on the
employees and the wider King Island Community.”

Labor will meet with Saputo representatives later this week to discuss the situation further.