The State Opposition has welcomed the long overdue investment in the future of the Whyalla Steelworks and the support for businesses owed millions by GFG Alliance.
The Government has seen sense to adopt the Opposition’s proposal to reallocate $50 million previously set aside for the Steelworks to support contractors and small businesses who are owed money by GFG Alliance.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said while the $2.4 billion Labor bailout brings much needed relief to those impacted by this Government’s mismanagement of the Steelworks, the future remains uncertain.
“Spending time in the Spencer Gulf today and in recent weeks and months, the concern from everyone who relies on the Steelworks for their livelihood has been palpable,” Mr Tarzia said.
“The people of Whyalla have told me how relieved they are that there is finally some action from this Government, which has dragged its feet for months, and it is my sincere hope that everyone who is owed money receives their payment in a timely way.
“We have been advocating on behalf of the people of Whyalla in the Parliament since September and, just this week, called on the Government to provide this type of relief.
“Make no mistake, South Australians are in this position because Labor has taken its eye off the ball both now, and under the previous Weatherill Government.”
This is the second time the Whyalla Steelworks has fallen into administration, both times when Labor has been in Government.
“Peter Malinauskas has been focussing on his hydrogen vanity project instead of understanding what is really going on at the Steelworks,” Mr Tarzia said.
“We will be watching this very closely to hold the Government to account, not just for the people of Whyalla, but for all South Australians and the entire nation. The Upper Spencer Gulf is too big to fail.”
The State Opposition has also slammed the Government for using GFG Alliance and the hardworking people of Whyalla as a scapegoat for its failed Hydrogen Jobs Plan.
“The fact that the Premier is doggedly refusing to shut his Office for Hydrogen, which has already cost almost $100 million for no result, is a slap in the face for all taxpayers,” Mr Tarzia said.
“Labor has broken their promise to fix ramping, and they have broken their promise to lower electricity costs through their Hydrogen Jobs Plan.”
