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Tuesday, April 05, 2016
Inquiry into future of Australia’s steel industry to be held in Whyalla
A senate inquiry into the future of Australia’s steel industry will take place in Whyalla today.
The Senate Economics Reference Committee will meet in Whyalla City Council’s chamber on Tuesday, April 5 in a public hearing.
The committee will hear from witnesses representing Boral Resources, Chadwick Fabrication, ICE Engineering and Construction, the Australian Workers’ Union South Australia, Whyalla City Council, Regional Development Australia Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula and also from Ian Nightingale on behalf of the South Australia Government Industry Advocate.
More than 30 submissions were received for review by the committee, which reaffirms the significance of the steel industry to the Australian economy.
Acting mayor Tom Antonio was invited to attend and give evidence at the public hearing of the committee on behalf of Whyalla City Council.
Mr Antonio said he would be outlining the impact significant job losses at Arrium/OneSteel were having on the wider Whyalla community.
“With significant job losses in the steel sector, the social and economic impact is being widely felt in the community, with falling membership to sporting and community clubs, as well as decreasing social participation, business closures, stalled investment, falling school enrolments and the flight of our brightest and best,” Mr Antonio said.
Mr Antonio said he was grateful to the senate for showing a commitment to the steel industry by holding an inquiry.
“We commend the submissions that have been prepared by individuals, corporations, industry groups and other parties,” Mr Antonio said.
“There are a number of worthwhile suggestions that warrant further analysis and consideration at both a state and federal government level and we hope that this inquiry will result in a positive outcome for working towards securing the Australian steel industry.
“We firmly believe all tiers of government in Australia have the opportunity to play a part in ensuring the Australian steel industry remains competitive and successful.”
Findings of the Senate Economics References Committee meeting will be released later in the year.