Warmair, if the govt did buy it for $1 then the operators would have an
operating plant with no debt. That is a big head start in any business.
The government could help with paying for management expertise to get
the business setup and running.
Probably the existing staff would know what equipment changes would be
needed to modenise the plant.

No, I think with some key help from government, which would not cost a
lot, a new workplace agreement and the support of the local community
it should work.
Now from that point the effect of imports would have to be studied and
it may be necessary to introduce some tariffs.
We are talking about food here and the rules have to be different.

....Basically saying it is CCA's responsibility to go strip them of conditions to remain viable.

SteeleRedux You forgot to mention that their wages and conditions are way over the top. Makes a huge difference to that argument. Nothing wrong with bringing them back to earth to save their jobs.

Robert....How much longer do you think this gravy train is going to run?

According to industry experts, about 30 to 50 years. In fact, they have found another gas deposit under the current one and it is suggested it is much larger, so perhaps 100 years or more.

As for SPC, as I have said, the only way governments should support these is to take a stake in ownership, because then they COUKD take over the factory if the others decide to leave.

....If it only "equates to a little over $800 per year per worker." then let the workers fund their own survival

Exactly Chris, that's $15.49 OER WEEK.

I'm sure I would pay that to save my job/future. It's not as if they are underpaid.

Foxy, bring back our $400 billion your beloved labor wasted and we might have a better option.

Abbott has stacked on 40 billion in three months , because he doesn't know what to do. They went to govt; with no policy and now we are in a mess.

It is an amazing truth.
Tony Abbott rebutted by the local member, told us the union/workers wages agreement was behind the SPC drama.
SPC has never ever made that claim.
The perceaved fire breathing dragon, union/workers never existed in this matter.
Abbott[a man bent on self destruction] even told of things that firm asked its workers for, as union over pricing!
Truth must matter.
A long term but constant loss in the millions even hundreds of millions is SPCs problem.
In such climate workers/unions follow, quietly and sheep like, the firms wishes knowing all jobs could go instantly.
Enterprise Bargaining Agreements saw the firm put its wants on the table and win them all.
Such agreements see the firm put its wants first and rarely not get them the include
Key Performance Indicators.
Less lost time injureys
ATM Attendance Maxisation, less sick leave taken *AND THE BOSS OFFERS some be paid for if targets reached.
We must confront the truth our Medea ,that part of it owned by Abbott,s co Prime Minister Murdock, is tell us slanted planed lies.

....A long term but constant loss in the millions even hundreds of millions is SPCs problem.

Precicly why the tax payer shouldn't be propping them up, because once the subsidy runs out, they will either ask for more, or leave.

At the end of the day every single function of fruit processing, from picking, transport and processing costs too much now in this country and the transport arm is about to be served another blow by way of the carbon tax.

579, what has Abbott spent the 40 billion on because if it's the illegals it appears to be money well spent, don't you think.

Also, what projects of his have failed.

I think the score is about 50 nil in labors favor.

The SPC board is meeting on 18th February, lets wait and see if they
pull the plug. That is what the government should do.
The board knows they won't get a bailout, so it might prompt a better
opportunity.