The Australian Steel Institute is deeply concerned about the state of the manufacture and fabrication industry here in Western Australia. Its members were promised full workshops by the State Premier Colin Barnett but on average the shops are running on average at 30% capacity.
The steel industry is not looking for a handout and it is not looking to bring in protectionist policies. In fact they are not even laying the blame on the international companies forsaking our steel industry for a cheaper opportunity. The industry is realistic that for them to compete they need to have the understanding of the state and federal governments.
The WA State Government has a chance to secure the future of the industry which is important for jobs and skills to stay here by stepping up and enacting our Buy Local Policy. These jobs cannot continue going off-shore.