Today's announcement to cut hundreds of jobs in Whyalla is a devastating blow - with 500 workers at the blast furnace and 100 labour hire contractors set to lose their jobs.
The Australian Greens say for the workers at Whyalla, who have faced years of uncertainty, today is an incredibly sad day and these workers deserve every support in this transition.
As stated by Greens spokesperson for workplace relations and employment and Senator for South Australia Barbara Pocock:
"Our hearts go out to workers and their families in Whyalla. After years of uncertainty and many millions of dollars of public spending, this is a tragedy.
"Billionaires like Sanjeev Gupta promised the world but failed the Whyalla community. It's appropriate that the Whyalla workers receive their entitlements and that their enterprise agreements are honoured. They must have chances of work in alternative local businesses maximised and local contractors must be paid all that they are owed.
"Any further public investment in Whyalla's steel industry must be reflected in public equity. We cannot send good public money down the same sad loss-making road as past losses.
'Workers at the plant have done their utmost to restart the blast furnace. Today is a bleak day where that possibility is closing off.
"We must ensure a sustainable, globally competitive green steel industry for Australia's future and we must ensure government equity.
"A government equity investment would ensure direct protection for workers. There should be no more blank cheques for billionaire corporations who fail to deliver for the economy, the community or the environment."
As stated by SA Greens Leader Robert Simms:
"The SA Greens have concerns not just for the 600 workers who have been told they're out of a job today, but for the entire Whyalla community.
"Our thoughts are with you during this extraordinarily stressful and uncertain time.
"If the Malinauskas Government is serious about safeguarding our manufacturing future, it needs to come to the table with a long-term plan for future jobs.
"We're calling for a commitment from this Government to keep jobs local and to support the community of Whyalla, so that workers and their families are not forced to move elsewhere while the sale of the Steel Works is still unknown.
"Now is the time to think boldly. Whyalla is perfectly placed to be a major green iron and steel manufacturer and export hub."
