In a statement  in parliament this week,  she   raised her concerns about the uncertain future of BlueScope Steel’s operations at Port Kembla.

‘‘The Illawarra Mercury reported that the company had made it the responsibility of its workforce to cut production costs,’’ Ms Hay said. ‘‘I believe this will take industrial relations back to the dark ages when employees were threatened: ‘Either you do the job cheaper or else’.’’

Ms Hay said she had asked Premier Mike Baird whether the government was assisting BlueScope or supporting the use of Australian steel in government procurement. 

‘‘I am not suggesting that the government interfere with the ability of companies to compete for business, but that it should look at opportunities in the interests of Australia and NSW,’’ she said.

‘‘Our jobs must come first. 

‘‘On a number of occasions I have raised in the House the number of jobs that have been lost in the Illawarra and in my electorate of Wollongong. 

‘‘I have called on the government to relocate a government department to the Illawarra or to enter into a job-creating investment project to assist the community.’’

Ms Hay said the government stated what it was doing for the regions  ‘‘day after day’’,   but none of that  had been extended to the Illawarra.

‘‘If it does not get government assistance, the employment figures in the Illawarra will continue to head south. We do not want threats of further job losses and closures; we want companies to negotiate in good faith,’’ she said. 

Ms Hay called for Mr Baird to ensure government procurement policies ‘‘ also include a requirement to use Australian and NSW steel from Port Kembla’’.

‘‘As I understand, the North West Rail Link does not include one nut or bolt that was produced in Australia, let alone in NSW, in particular, Port Kembla.’’