Eighteen months ago, just a stone’s throw from where Monday’s NSW government steel forum was held, very similar talks took place.

On September 7, 2015 – a time when the future of BlueScope’s Port Kembla steelworks hung in the balance – the then federal Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane, hosted a steel meeting (also at the Innovation Campus).

At the time, Mr Macfarlane hinted at a “very big proposal” that would help the Illawarra and BlueScope Steel.

Three different federal industry ministers later and we’ve heard nothing about it.

So, what was different at Monday’s state government-led discussions?

“It was the most productive discussion on steel I’ve ever been a part of,” said parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward.

As a result, NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello has given a directive to the government’s procurement department; he wants a report within 28 days.

“We come out of today’s meeting with a timeline,” Mr Ward said. “I will be holding the minister to account and I will be making sure that work is done and is delivered.” 

Mr Ward has called on his government to do more to support Australian steelmakers and has asked for steel standards in all contracts.

No government decisions were made in that regard at Monday’s forum, angering Greens NSW MP David Shoebridge.  

Mr Shoebridge wasn’t at the meeting, but said he had spoken with participants who described it as “just a talkfest”.

“Their [the government’s] only commitment was that they may produce something within 28 days,” he said.

“They’ve had years to come up with a viable policy and that’s a deeply disappointing outcome.” 

Mr Ward said he was “not going to be lectured by Labor and the Greens” and again rejected claims the forum was a talkfest.

“If we’d walked away without an outcome, I think that people could justify that allegation,” he said.