Let's get good Aussie steel re-building Australia's economy

20 November 2009

If Australian steel is good enough to use on projects across the globe - then we should be ensuring the big new Australian infrastructure projects now coming on line also use our steel, the Australian Workers' Union said today.

" The Steel Supplier Advocate - announced today by Senator Kim Carr, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research - will play a crucial role identifying some of these new Australian steel opportunities, as we move out of the global financial crisis."

Outstanding business leader

Paul Howes, the National Secretary of The Australian Workers' Union congratulated the Minister on finding such an outstanding business leader to take on this important new role.

" The extraordinarily strong background in the steel industry that Mr Cyril Benjamin brings to the position of Steel Supplier Advocate, will help us re-position Australian steel products in the months to come.

Use Aussie steel in major Australian infrastructure

" I am sure he can help promote the use of Australian steel - especially as a key component in the development of major Australian infrastructure projects.

" Our union has been at the forefront of the push for the need to prioritise the use of local steel," Paul Howes explained.

Local steel must participate in tendering for local contracts

" We want to end the situation where local steelmakers don't even get a chance to participate in tendering for local contracts.

" It is shameful to see entire plants being imported to Australia from overseas, right down to the last nut and bolt - because contract specifications were written in a way to deny opportunities for local steel input.

Promoting an active industry policy to protect jobs

" Senator Kim Carr should be congratulated for promoting an active industry policy to protect Australian jobs.

" It is largely because of the Minister's commitment and drive that we've got the Steel Industry Innovation Council established, comprising leaders from the steel industry, unions, fabricators and the research and academic sectors.

"The Steel Supplier Advocate, alongside the Steel Council will provide us with the best opportunity to deliver greater security and new opportunities for Australian steel workers," Paul Howes said.