“Closure of the Whyalla steelworks will have a devastating impact on Australia’s industral capability, as well as the local and South Australian economy,” said Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association, Australian Industry Group.
“Steel making is an essential national capability, but it needs to evolve as new technology and processes put pressure on international competitiveness. This is key to Australia’s economic resilience in what are increasingly uncertain times.
“If the prospective buyer commits to purchasing a new furnace, it provides an opportunity to expand into less carbon-intensive markets.
“Understanding the full situation today enables the community and surrounding industry to look to the future and make appropriate investments.
“Governments and the eventual buyer need to be transparent about the transition milestones, even if a definitive completion date cannot yet be provided. Workers, customers and local businesses need more than an end vision. They need to understand the pathway for getting there.
“The community will be hit hard through this process, and retaining the existing workforce and its skills base is essential as is properly utilising the Whyalla facilities, including its port. This community is essential to South Australia’s economic wellbeing.
“Whyalla’s latest brush with industrial death is another stark reminder to governments and regulators that they must stop making it increasingly difficult for Australian businesses to invest, grow and compete.
“Australia needs critical industrial capability to be able to stand on its own feet and not need to resort to subsidies or handouts at times when it needs new investment or to work through inevitable soft spots in the economic cycle,” Mr Willox said.
