Stanwell Corporation CEO Richard Van Breda has responded to union criticism of Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington made at a public meeting in Nanango last night.
Union office holders criticised the State Government and Mrs Frecklington for workforce changes at the Tarong Power Stations and for the suspension of the 2014 apprentice intake at Tarong.
“This is not correct,” Mr Van Breda said.
“Stanwell is managed by an independent Board and management team, not by the State Government and definitely not by the Member for Nanango.
“Site management made recommendations relating to the recent workforce changes at Tarong and these were approved by me.
“As Chief Executive Officer, I made the decision to suspend the 2014 intake of apprentices and trainees at all Stanwell sites.
“Both decisions were difficult but necessary and have the support of the Stanwell Board.
“Stanwell is making an unsustainable loss on power generation in the currently very difficult and highly competitive wholesale electricity market. To do nothing would have placed the future operation of Tarong and Meandu Mine in doubt.
“I have personally spoken to the Member of Nanango to advise her of operational decisions affecting Tarong Power Station.
“She has been very forthright in expressing her disappointment on these decisions but also understands that a business that lost close to $100 million last year must change or it simply will not survive.
“During these discussions, the Member for Nanango has shown herself to be a very strong advocate for her constituents and local business.
“The changes we announced recently are not just confined to the Tarong Power Stations.
“Stanwell’s five other power generation sites have all had to change the way they operate in order to be competitive.
“Finally, it needs to be stressed that Stanwell’s decision to suspend its 2014 intake of apprentices and trainees only applies to 2014.
“No rational person or group could seriously suggest that we take on new apprentices and trainees at the same time as we are reducing workforce numbers.
“Stanwell is a very strong supporter of workplace training and will restore its apprentice and trainee intake as soon as business conditions allow.”
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