Federal Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has delivered an opening address to the annual Australian Steel Institute (ASI) convention today, saying renewable energy is opening new doors for the Australian steel industry.
Minister Husic stated that Aussie-made steel played an essential role in the transition to advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and low emissions, including the production of wind turbines.
“We want to be a country that makes things. Australian-made steel will play a vital role in that vision. The net result is higher paid jobs and greater prosperity for Australians everywhere,” Minister Husic added.
According to him, Australian-made steel was crucial to the economy, employing 140,000 people and producing $30 billion in annual revenue.
“Important as the industry is today, it can be bigger and better,” Husic said. He said the government was looking to boost local jobs including steel jobs through its $15b National Reconstruction Fund.”
The ASI Choose Steel conference at Melbourne’s Sofitel Hotel will include a panel discussion on an ASI campaign promoting steel as the preferred building material for home renovations.
