The bill would also create the position of Steel Industry Advocate – based in the Illawarra – that would ensure that new Australian standards and certification for Australian-made steel is monitored and complied with by manufacturers and contractors.

Greens MP David Shoebridge said the government needed to take action to help the steel industry, which was still on shaky ground.

“If we continue with business as usual BlueScope and Arrium are at risk in the medium term of shutting down and we will be left to the whims of the international market and we will lose those key jobs and manufacturing,” Mr Shoebridge said.

The Greens MP said the passing of the bill would benefit the Illawarra.

“When you’re talking about the Illawarra, there’s nothing more crucial to the Illawarra – one of the most important regions in this state – than the government getting behind the steel bill,” he said.

The bill did not get the support of the government, which had branded it as a version of protectionism and likely to harm international trade treaties.

Nationals MP and Roads Minister Duncan Gay listed a range of road projects – including the Foxground and Berry Bypass – already using Australian steel.

“The NSW government has sourced thousands of tonnes of steel from major infrastructure projects from Australia,” Mr Gay said.

“As a result the NSW government is the single largest procurer of steel in Australia.”

Mr Gay also branded the bill as “jingoistic”.

“We need Australian steel, we need a majority in there but we don’t need to be hamstrung on percentages,” Mr Gay said.

“The Greens bill will threaten to stall and increase costs for critical infrastructure projects. And that would hurt everyone from commuters, to employees, to steel workers.”

The bill will now be debated in the Legislative Assembly.

Illawarra Labor MPs are calling on the Government to list the bill for debate as soon as possible.