The workers have done their bit to save the Port Kembla steelworks, now it’s the government’s turn.
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That was the consensus of the hundreds of people who gathered to vote on the future of Illawarra steelmaking on Thursday.
As workers raised hands in favour of maintaining the fight to save the industry, they put their community before themselves.
It was a display of unity and courage that wasn’t lost on Keira MP and Opposition spokesman for the Illawarra Ryan Park. “To every single worker, their family and the trade union movement, I say thank you on behalf of a very grateful community,” Mr Park said in a statement.
“The courage, sacrifice and commitment you have shown will be etched in the history of our region and will never be forgotten.”
“Each of you and the broader community now have every right to expect the NSW Government will do their bit and offer payroll tax relief to keep the steelworks open.” Labor Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said the government no longer had an excuse to delay its assistance.
“Steel workers have made crucial sacrifices [on Thursday] in order to secure the viability of the steel works. It is now time for the state government to put its cards on the table,” Ms Watson said.
The courage, sacrifice and commitment you have shown will be etched in the history of our region.
- Keira MP, Ryan Park
Monday marks seven weeks since August 24 - the day BlueScope chief executive Paul O’Malley confirmed the company had to achieve $200 million in annual cost savings or the steelworks would close.
At the time, Mr O’Malley said the NSW Government could help the company save about $30 million by reducing costs associated with payroll tax, among others.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said discussions with BlueScope were ongoing.
“We’ve always been consistent and said the company needs to provide some assurances to government about its intention to remain at Port Kembla,” Mr Ward said.
“[Thursday’s] decision was a major part of those questions we had. “I look forward to seeing an announcement as soon as a proposition can be debated and resolved through Cabinet.”
A spokesman for NSW Industry Minister Anthony Roberts said the government “remains in productive discussions with BlueScope” ahead of the board’s decision about the steelworks’ future.
Meanwhile, Federal Labor MPs Sharon Bird and Stephen Jones have also praised workers and union representatives following Thursday’s meeting.
“This was a courageous and necessary decision for the future of the steelworks. But it was a difficult decision for the workforce, because they knew that there would be significant job losses,” Ms Bird, the Member for Cunningham said.
Throsby MP Mr Jones said: “The unions have shown true leadership in negotiating the best deal possible for their members, while keeping a firm eye on the main game - keeping the factory open.”
