81 workers have lost their jobs at Ozcon Industries, with the business shut down after it was placed in voluntary liquidation earlier this year.

 

Ozcon Industries, a steel pipe and welding services supplier, had four sites based in Dalby, Miles and Moomba in Queensland. This family-run, award-winning business had been operating for more than a decade, making an annual turnover of approximately $17 million in the June 2016 financial year.

 

However, due to “significant losses on a number of specialised welding projects” in addition to “the drilling industry downturn across the Australian energy sector”, the company was placed in voluntary administration at the request of the company directors and shareholders.

 

As Ozcon Industries employed many local residents, this will no doubt affect the community.

 

Bill Bryne, Acting State Development Minister, commented, “My message to these workers and their families is: you are not alone.

 

“Ozcon Industries is a private company that makes its own commercial decisions, but government has a critical role to play in times like these.”

 

He also stated that the Government had arranged for Centrelink to provide financial support to the affect families as well as counselling through Lifeline.

 

David Littleproud, a Federal member for Maranoa, echoed this sentiment, stating that he has “alerted human services minister Alan Tudge to make sure our local Centrelink office is fully equipped to also assist those affected.

 

“Ozcon Industries specialised in industrial, mining and resources based-manufacturing and the Federal Government have some large-scale projects in the works. Whether it’s the Warrego highway upgrade or the Toowoomba second range crossing, I’ll work to get these fast-tracked to support those affected by this business closure and get people back into local work.”