Federal Labor MPs Stephen Jones and Sharon Bird said Illawarra workers taking part in the Jobs Embassy outside Parliament House tried to meet with Ms Sudmalis.

They were told neither she nor any member of her staff was available to meet with them.

“The fact that Ann Sudmalis couldn’t make the time to meet them speaks volumes,” Ms Bird said.

“This government just doesn’t care about local jobs and listening to the concerns of regional workers who have come all the way to Canberra.”

Throsby MP Mr Jones said he and Ms Bird met with the workers on the grass outside parliament.

“You can always find time if it is important enough, I suppose Ms Sudmalis has other priorities,” Mr Jones said.

Ms Sudmalis was contacted for comment.