NSW Shadow Treasurer Michael Daley has joined the Illawarra's state and federal Labor MPs in Wollongong to reveal the party's 10-point plan to combat the region's growing jobs crisis.
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The plan includes direct assistance to BlueScope Steel through a reduction in NSW Government charges, changes to the NSW Procurement Policy to maximise the use of Australian-produced steel in Government infrastructure projects and fast-tracking projects in the region.
Mr Daley made the announcement at Wollongong's Flagstaff Hill on Friday, flanked by Opposition spokesman for the Illawarra Ryan Park, Wollongong MP Noreen Hay, Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson and federal MPs Sharon Bird (Cunningham) and Stephen Jones (Throsby).
The plan - devised by Mr Park, Ms Hay and Ms Watson - would "set the region on a positive path forward", Mr Daley said.
“The NSW Opposition under Luke Foley’s leadership understands the challenges this very important region is facing and that we are prepared to work in a proactive way with the government to look at solutions that will support the local economy,” he said.
Mr Park, who is also Member for Keira, said Labor wasn't interested in playing games with people's livelihoods.
"This plan is about developing a positive way forward in the face of the very difficult economic circumstances that our region faces," Mr Park said.
"It is not about politics, it is about clearly demonstrating that Labor understands the challenges the community is facing and we are ready to work constructively with the Government on solutions to support jobs and grow our economy."
Ms Hay said growing uncertainty, especially for employees at BlueScope Steel, meant it was critical the region came together.
The Wollongong MP said she was talking daily with the families and small business owners who would be directly affected by a reduced workforce at BlueScope Steel's Port Kembla steelworks.
"They have all made it clear to me that they want their community leaders to do everything possible to support the steel industry and ensure we continue to have a strong regional economy," she said.
Ms Watson reiterated two major projects in her electorate - the Albion Park Rail bypass and Shellharbour Hospital upgrade - could be accelerated from planning to construction to support jobs and boost the region's economic activity.
Mr Park will write to the Premier Mike Baird and Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward in order to discuss the plan and establish an urgent summit to work through the proposals.
■ NSW Government to negotiate and agree an immediate assistance package addressing BlueScope’s request for a reduction in payroll tax, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Workcover charges.
■ Expedite State Government infrastructure projects commencing in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 Budget Years, including:
- upgrade of Shellharbour Hospital
- upgrade of Unanderra Train Station (not yet funded)
- upgrade of Bulli Hospital
- construction of the Albion Park Rail Bypass, and
- construction of the Memorial Drive-Bulli Pass extension
■ Expedite all projects funded from the State Government’s $100 million Illawarra Infrastructure Fund requiring commencement of all remaining projects by 31 January 2016.
■ State Government to convene an Illawarra Infrastructure Summit by December 1, 2015, to specifically develop and negotiate a pipeline of Illawarra infrastructure projects involving all levels of government and the private sector for the next ten years.
■ Streamline and develop a ‘rapid response’ to processing of development applications for business expansion proposals across Illawarra councils.
■ Immediate expansion of training and further education places at all Illawarra TAFE campuses and the University of Wollongong, including scholarships and waiving of fees for workers affected by BlueScope Steel and related company restructures.
■ Agree on and implement changes to the New South Wales Procurement Policy ensuring the maximum possible use of Australian produced steel in all State Government infrastructure projects across the State from January 1, 2016.
■ Establish an Illawarra-Western Sydney Economic and Jobs Task Force to develop a long-term partnership between the two regions ensuring expansion of business opportunities, investment, and export and import initiatives.
■ Work cooperatively with the Federal Government to assist in any transition fund and associated programs it develops and implements relating to the specific challenges facing the steel industry in the Illawarra region.
■ Establish formal discussions with BlueScope Steel regarding the remediation of identified surplus lands, and the future use of this land by employment generating industries.
