The Opposition returned to Whyalla today, amid ongoing uncertainty and concerns about the future of the town’s Steelworks.
Speaking with the local mayor, contractors and the broader community affected by challenges at the steel manufacturing facility, it was an opportunity to hear firsthand the experiences of those on the ground.
This is what we know so far:
- GFG Alliance owes $17.4 million in unpaid bills to SA Water.
- Tens of millions is owed to the State Government in mining royalties by GFG Alliance.
- The Steel Taskforce, designed to future proof the steel industry in South Australia, has not been keeping minutes at its meetings.
- Local contractors are owes at least $300 million by GFG Alliance.
- Hundreds of jobs have been lost at the Steelworks, leaving people with no choice but to leave Whyalla.
- The cost of upgrading to an electric arc furnace at the Whyalla Steelworks would cost upwards of $3 billion.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said it’s appalling that the Government has refused to answer questions about the true state of the Steelworks’ future – leaving it to the Opposition to advocate for the people of Whyalla who have been left in the dark.
“This is a Government with all the wrong priorities – while the Premier is at LIV Golf, I am here in the Spencer Gulf, speaking with the community and getting a better understanding of reality and gravity of the unfolding situation at Whyalla,” Mr Tarzia said.
“This is a community that is too big to fail and the people of Whyalla deserve transparency about the future of the Steelworks – not just empty promises.
“Today’s statement from GFG Alliance gives some reassurance for the people of Whyalla, but they need to pay their bills now.
“I’ll believe it and the people of Whyalla will believe it when they see it.”
Shadow Minister for Energy and Net Zero, Stephen Patterson added that Whyalla needs a clear, transparent plan for the future of its Steelworks.
“In the six months since it was revealed in Parliament by the Opposition that GFG was in arrears to the State Government, all we’ve seen is words and no action from the Malinauskas Labor Government,” Mr Patterson said.
“Peter Malinauskas has been distracted by his $700 million hydrogen hoax and the last year has shown that he should have been concentrating on the existing operations at the Steelworks as the best way to support the people of Whyalla.
“This is an industry and an asset that is too big to fail. It is economic backbone of this region and until operations return in full and contractors are paid, the Opposition will continue to stand up for the people of this community.”
