Questions about the future of BlueScope Steel at Port Kembla have been tabled in state Parliament, as one Illawarra MP moves to quell some of the uncertainty lingering over the region.
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Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson has asked Premier Mike Baird a series of questions on notice about whether discussions have taken place between the government and BlueScope representatives.
Ms Watson asked if Mr Baird or another minister had met the company "to discuss the state of the steel industry, and in particular, the ongoing operation of the Port Kembla steelworks".
Additional questions asked when the meeting was held, who took part, what matters were discussed and specific requests made by BlueScope to the government, if any.
Ms Watson said she was surprised that the Premier had had so little to say.
"I am very disappointed that BlueScope Steel management has thrown a cloak of silence over everything since the closure threat bombshell was let off nearly a fortnight ago now.
"We're all still waiting for the company to come clean about its plans for the future of steelmaking in the region.
"I'm really quite concerned that the state government does not seem to be engaged in just how significant this threat by BlueScope Steel management is."
Ms Watson's questions were tabled in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday and Mr Baird has until July 28 to respond.
A spokesman for Mr Baird said the Premier would answer the questions using the usual parliamentary process and directed the Mercury to Industry, Resources and Energy Minister Anthony Roberts for comment.
A spokesman said BlueScope had contacted Mr Roberts' office on June 10 to "correct claims that the company could close its Port Kembla operations".
"The company also distributed a media release to this effect," the spokesman said.
"The government will maintain a strong dialogue with BlueScope and we will continue to hold discussions with the company into the future."
The Mercury reported on June 10 that BlueScope needed to save about $130 million a year with a "game-changing approach" to keep Port Kembla steel operations viable.
The manufacturing giant denied the Wollongong plant would close, but outlined plans to reduce its steelmaking costs by at least $50 a tonne, as part of a large-scale cost-cutting exercise.
