Lead

The operator of Tasmania's James Boag's brewery, Lion Australia, has issued a statement saying it has no plans to sell the brand, contradicting claims by the United Workers' Union (UWU) that both the brand and the brewery were for sale. The clarification comes as the Tasmanian government proposes to purchase the brewery site in Launceston, with in-principle support from the brewery's overseas owner.

Coverage comparison

ABC Australia reported that Lion Australia, the parent company of the James Boag's brand, has confirmed it is proceeding with plans to close the Tasmanian brewery on November 6, ending 145 years of local beer history. Despite Lion's statement that a sale of the brand was not its intention, ABC understands the company would consider expressions of interest.

The union's push to save the brewery has been a central theme. The United Workers' Union has launched an online petition and written to Premier Jeremy Rockliff, urging him to intervene. Ben Dudman, an organiser with the union, has called on the premier to use his connections to find a buyer, referencing similar efforts for other Tasmanian operations.

Separately, the Tasmanian government has revealed a proposal to purchase the Boag's Brewery site. Premier Jeremy Rockliff met with representatives from Kirin, the parent company of Lion Australia, in Japan, and reported that Kirin had provided in-principle support to explore the state's proposal in good faith.

Key claims

  • Lion Australia has no plans to sell the James Boag's brand, according to a company statement, which refuted union claims that the brand and brewery were for sale.
  • A letter from Lion to the UWU, dated June 25 and seen by the ABC, indicated a willingness to sell both the brewery and the brand.
  • Lion announced it would end production of Boag's beers in Tasmania, with the company confirming it is proceeding with plans to shut the brewery on November 6.
  • The Tasmanian government is proposing to purchase the Boag's Brewery site in Launceston and says it has in-principle support from owner Kirin to explore the idea.
  • Kirin has agreed to genuinely consider further requests in relation to the worker support package, according to Premier Rockliff.
  • The brewery's closure will impact 42 local jobs, as reported by the union and company representatives.
  • Lion Australia attributed the closure to a long-term decline in the national beer market and significant cost inflation, with the brewery currently operating at about a fifth of its capacity.
  • The union has launched an online petition to save the brewery, urging community support.

Perspectives

Lion Australia

The company maintains it has no plans to sell the James Boag's brand, though it would consider expressions of interest. Lion attributes the closure to a long-term decline in the national beer market and high costs, stating the brewery is no longer viable.

United Workers' Union

The union claims Lion has agreed to sell the brand and brewery, urging the Tasmanian government to help find a buyer to preserve local jobs and heritage. The union launched an online petition and called on Premier Rockliff to intervene.

Tasmanian Government

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has proposed purchasing the Boag's Brewery site, with in-principle support from Kirin. The government aims to preserve the site's heritage, unlock investment, and create jobs, while working on enabling legislation for future redevelopment.