Overview
- Opposition Leader Sussan Ley was denied a planned tour of the Tomago aluminium plant but met chief executive Jérôme Dozol, prompting allegations of political interference that the government denies.
- Tomago Aluminium has told more than 1,000 workers it is considering closure because power costs dominate its expenses and future pricing would erode viability.
- The company says electricity makes up over 40% of operating costs and market proposals point to significantly higher prices from January 2029.
- The Albanese and New South Wales governments remain in talks with Rio Tinto on options that include a commercially negotiated long-term power deal, with no final decision made.
- Industry Minister Tim Ayres says all options are on the table, including potential new ownership, after reports Rio Tinto rejected a joint federal‑NSW rescue offer of more than $1 billion.