An Illawarra steel campaigner has described the past week as a “watershed” in the fight to save the Australian steel industry, but has stressed the battle is not yet won.
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South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris has backed three separate approaches that act on the country’s steel crisis.
On Wednesday, the South Australian government announced a steel taskforce that will see it lead the charge to secure the Australian steelmaking’s future.
Nationally, Labor, Greens and crossbench senators have called for a Senate inquiry into the industry’s long-term viability, while Greens NSW MP John Kaye will introduce a procurement bill to NSW Parliament when it resumes in late February.
“What the workers have done here [at the Port Kembla steelworks] is only one part of a bigger puzzle,” Mr Rorris said.
“The news that 100 per cent of all steel used there [South Australia] must meet the Australian standards is a big leap forward.
“It is another leap in the right direction, which will now put pressure on all governments, state and federal, to follow.”
It is another leap in the right direction, which will now put pressure on all governments, state and federal, to follow.
- Arthur Rorris
The SA steel taskforce’s $4.3 million in funding over four years includes $320,000 to establish a third party audit, in collaboration with the Australian Steel Institute, to ensure state government projects adhere to the new mandate.
The Mercury asked Industry Minister Anthony Roberts if the NSW government would consider establishing a steel taskforce or using a third party here.
“NSW Government agencies set high quality standards for infrastructure projects and the government works with contractors and suppliers to ensure that those standards are met or exceeded - contracts typically include Australian Standard specifications where they exist,” Mr Roberts said.
“The NSW Government is also supporting work being done by the Australian Steel Institute and Standards Australia to create the first Australian Standard for the Fabrication and Erection of Steelwork. “This will be an important step in guaranteeing the quality of steel fabrication in infrastructure across Australia.”
Mr Roberts said the government “recognises the vital importance of having high-quality steel products”.