The closure of Liberty Bell Bay marks one of the most significant industrial blows Tasmania has faced in years. This news, on top of the closure of Boag's, has Northern Tasmanians wondering when they collectively crossed paths with a black cat.

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Much of the discussion during the most recent Bell Bay problems and certainly since the closure announcement has focused on failed deals, corporate decisions and political consequences; those debates should no longer be the priority.

The sole focus of everyone in positions of power, that is governments, industry leaders and community organisations, must be the well-being and future employment of the workers.

Imagine the mental stress these people have already endured and now most certainly face. For months, Bell Bay employees have lived with uncertainty while administrators searched for a buyer capable of keeping the smelter operating. A union representative tells us many believed there was still hope. Instead, the proposed sale collapsed after the consortium withdrew, leaving administrators with no choice but to shut down the operation.

It is an outcome that no one wanted, but it is now a reality that demands immediate action.

Bass MP Jess Teesdale said after meeting Bell Bay workers on site, "This one really hurt because we thought we had more time." She rightly identified what matters most now:........

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