The Australian Workers' Union has written to politicians urging them to support the 10-point national steel plan released last Friday, and asking them to push for tougher anti-dumping measures.

Dumping occurs when excess steel is exported to Australia at a price that is below its normal value - which is generally the domestic price in the country of export - and undercuts the local industry.

Union national secretary Paul Howes said Australia had a poor record in its implementation of anti-dumping safeguards allowed by the World Trade Organisation.

"This project is well overdue," Mr Howes said.

"The AWU ... is recommending a number of changes to the anti-dumping policy regime, which will sharply speed up action against dumped products in the Australian market."

He is also arguing for a strong preference for Australian steel in procurement arrangements as part of any new stimulus package announced by the Federal Government.

"The future viability of the local industry hangs in the balance and with it the employment prospects for thousands of my members and the financial security of their families and communities," he said.

Meantime, the Illawarra's federal MPs have urged organisations in the region to apply for funding under the new $650 million Jobs Fund.

From July 1, funding will be allocated for projects which organisations can show will create or retain jobs, build skills, or contribute to overcoming long-term unemployment.

Areas with high unemployment will be given priority. Funding for individual projects will be determined on a case-by-case basis to a maximum of $2 million and applications close on May 22.

Throsby MP Jennie George said she and Member for Cunningham Sharon Bird were already supporting applications for heritage funding at the North Wollongong Bathers' Pavilion and Catholic Church at Jamberoo, the improvement of bike pathways around Lake Illawarra and new classroom and outdoor seating at the Science Centre and Planetarium, in Fairy Meadow.