Financial challenges at the Whyalla steelworks in South Australia have reignited debate about the nation’s steel industry and its future.
Australians should have access to quality steel at competitive prices. The domestic steel production industry employs tens of thousands of people.
The state and federal governments have stepped in, however, announcing a A$1.9 billion support package for Whyalla, together with a new $1 billion green iron investment fund. Half of the new fund will be allocated to Whyalla to support its transition to green steel production. That’s a large amount of money for a privately owned business.
