BRIGHT FUTURE FOR WHYALLA

Today marks the end of 17 months of uncertainty for the Whyalla community as ownership of the steelworks is officially transferred to the GFG Alliance.   

 

Labor believes that the metals manufacturing industry has a bright future in Australia, particularly in our regional cities.  

 

Labor remains committed to working with the new owners and the Federal and South Australian governments to ensure the long-term future of Arrium and the Whyalla steel works.

 

Acknowledgement should be given to the administrator, KordaMentha, and to the unions, businesses and community groups that worked so hard to keep this strategically significant industry operating in Whyalla.   

 

The fight for the continued operation of the Whyalla steelworks was not only in the interest the workers and their families —it was in the national interest. 

 

GFG with its international connections now has the capacity to lift both the quality and output from Whyalla, opening up new markets and new opportunities.

 

Labor has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the Australian steel industry, including taking a plan for local metals manufacturing and jobs to the last election.

By contrast the Liberals have no plan to back Australian steel production. Foreign and possibly substandard steel is being dumped into the Australian market at artificially low prices, threatening local jobs and potentially making buildings and infrastructure unsafe.