Last week, WIN Television announced changes that would result in job losses at NBN News.

Almost immediately, Dan Repacholi and Labor politicians were lining up to condemn the decision. Statements were issued. Concerns were raised. The importance of protecting local jobs was suddenly front-page news.

And fair enough.

Every job matters.

But here’s what many people across the Hunter are struggling to understand.

When a handful of media jobs are at risk, Labor politicians find their voices remarkably quickly.

Yet when Hunter Valley Operations is fighting to secure the future of more than 1,500 well-paid regional jobs, the silence is deafening.

HVO’s Continuation Project is now moving through the approval process. Supporters argue the project is critical to maintaining employment, supporting local businesses, and ensuring the Hunter remains an economic powerhouse for decades to come.

This isn’t just about miners.

It’s about mechanics, electricians, contractors, transport operators, hospitality workers, small businesses and countless families whose livelihoods depend on a strong mining sector.

These are the kinds of jobs that built the Hunter.

These are the jobs that pay mortgages, sponsor local sporting clubs and keep regional communities alive.

And yet, while environmental activists and anti-coal campaigners continue their relentless push against the industry, many of the politicians elected to represent mining communities appear reluctant to publicly champion the people who actually work in them.

Why?

If 1,500 jobs are worth fighting for, where are the media releases?

Where are the press conferences?

Where are the passionate speeches about protecting working families?

Where is Dan Repacholi?

The Federal Member for Hunter represents one of the most productive mining regions in Australia. Thousands of his constituents either work directly in mining or rely on the industry indirectly.

Many would expect him to be loudly and proudly backing a project that helps secure the economic future of the region.

Instead, many supporters see political caution.

They see politicians who are happy to talk about jobs when it suits the narrative, but far less enthusiastic when those jobs happen to be in coal mining.

The reality is simple.

The Hunter’s economy still relies heavily on coal.

You can support new industries and future technologies while also acknowledging that mining remains the backbone of many local communities today.

These positions are not mutually exclusive.

What many Hunter residents want is honesty.

If Labor believes these jobs matter, then say so.

If Labor supports the continuation project, then support it publicly.

And if they don’t, then explain why.

Because right now, thousands of workers are being asked to put their names to a petition supporting their industry’s future.

The least they should expect is to know where their elected representatives stand.

If you believe the Hunter deserves a strong future, if you believe regional jobs matter, and if you believe the people who power this region should have their voices heard, consider registering your support for the Hunter Valley Operations Continuation Project.

The people of the Hunter are speaking.

The question is whether Canberra is listening.