The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has slammed a decision by the NSW Government to use rail imported from Spain instead of steel produced in Whyalla to supply the Sydney Metro Northwest project.
AWU National Secretary Scott McDine said the decision was a disgrace.
“Australian steel should be used on taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects — that must be the default position,” Mr McDine said.
“Victoria is building its multi-billion dollar level crossing project with Australian steel.
“The South Australian government mandates the use of Australian steel on taxpayer-funded projects.
“The NSW Government should hang its head in shame for rejecting Australian workers in Whyalla in favour of Spanish steel.”
AWU Acting SA Branch Secretary Peter Lamps said it was bizarre that South Australia was missing out to Spain once again.
“The Federal Government created 3000 Spanish jobs that could have gone to South Australia when it handed the contract for two replacement supply ships to Europe this month. Now it seems the NSW Government is making sure South Australia loses out to Spain again,” Mr Lamps said.
“Why are Australian Liberal governments more eager to create jobs in Spain over South Australia?
“The Sydney Metro Northwest project is an $8.3 billion dollar build. A contract of this size could be making a huge difference to Whyalla — but instead its now making a huge difference to Spain.
“Every other steel-producing nation in the world has measures in place to ensure local steel is given preference.
“How the NSW Government could reject South Australian steel in this way simply beggars belief.”
AWU National Secretary Scott McDine said the decision was a disgrace.
“Australian steel should be used on taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects — that must be the default position,” Mr McDine said.
“Victoria is building its multi-billion dollar level crossing project with Australian steel.
“The South Australian government mandates the use of Australian steel on taxpayer-funded projects.
“The NSW Government should hang its head in shame for rejecting Australian workers in Whyalla in favour of Spanish steel.”
AWU Acting SA Branch Secretary Peter Lamps said it was bizarre that South Australia was missing out to Spain once again.
“The Federal Government created 3000 Spanish jobs that could have gone to South Australia when it handed the contract for two replacement supply ships to Europe this month. Now it seems the NSW Government is making sure South Australia loses out to Spain again,” Mr Lamps said.
“Why are Australian Liberal governments more eager to create jobs in Spain over South Australia?
“The Sydney Metro Northwest project is an $8.3 billion dollar build. A contract of this size could be making a huge difference to Whyalla — but instead its now making a huge difference to Spain.
“Every other steel-producing nation in the world has measures in place to ensure local steel is given preference.
“How the NSW Government could reject South Australian steel in this way simply beggars belief.”
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