AUSTRALIA — A major employer in Victoria’s east has blamed the state government’s failure to supply timber for its decision to axe 84 jobs. Opal Australian Paper operates the Maryvale paper mill, near Morwell in the Latrobe Valley. It was Australia’s last remaining manufacturer of white paper until early 2023, when it ceased production and cut 156 jobs. Opal Australian Paper said the latest round of job cuts announced today followed a “detailed review of operations”. “The end of white paper production has significantly changed the operational footprint of the Mill, and the site has been working to right-size its operations as a kraft and recycled paper manufacturer,” the company said. …The Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union said the union and workforce did not learn about the decision until about 8.40pm Thursday. “To say it’s a little bit of a shock is an understatement,” union president Denise Campbell-Burns said.