The Millicent sub-branch of the CFMEU Pulp and Paper Division this week agreed to provide financial and practical support for Mr O’Halloran’s campaign.
“After lengthy discussion and debate the committee unanimously endorsed a motion that commits financial assistance to Darren’s campaign which highlights this important issue,” sub-branch secretary Kevin Millie said.
“The committee did not take this decision lightly, but based on the threat to our jobs and the sites future the committee felt that this action is appropriate in the current circumstances.”
Up to 20,000 tonnes of imported tissue products from China and Indonesia have been dumped on the local market, sold up to 45 percent cheaper than in their home countries, in a deliberate attempt to undercut local producers.
CFMEU Pulp and Paper Division Federal Secretary Alex Millar said in Millicent alone, home to the Kimberly-Clark mill, up to 1500 jobs are threatened by the decision.
“Many workers in regional Australia are worried by the Federal Government’s decision to allow this to happen, which is why we think it is important to support Mr O’Halloran’s campaign to have the policy overturned,” Mr Millar said.
“All we want is a fair system that creates a level playing field by preventing this kind of predatory dumping.
“The SA election is a warning to the Rudd Government that if they fail to act and protect these jobs the union will be forced to expand the campaign around the country in the run up to the Federal Election later this year.”
