Rachel Mackintosh: Etū National Secretary on the aluminium sector warning of job losses after govt declines request for safeguards

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge · Oct 13, 2026 · 3m · transcript

There are concerns a flood of cheaper aluminium imports from China could lead to local manufacturers shutting their doors.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer has declined a request for safeguard measures to protect them.

MBIE noted the domestic industry is struggling, with the increase in imports just one reason among many, including increasing costs.

E tu National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh told Andrew Dickens these plants are the lifeblood of regional communities.

She says when we lose industry in this country it doesn't come back, and its effects flow more widely than…