Whyalla Steelworks - Grievance Debate
Tuesday 15 September 2026
S.E. ANDREWS (Gibson) (15:16): Yesterday was a difficult day for the workers at the steelworks and the broader Whyalla community. They heard the news that approximately 500 jobs are to be made redundant due to the closure of the blast furnace, and that is why this government was there, because we stand alongside workers and their unions. The administrator ultimately made the decision for the closure, but it was important that the Premier, minister and assistant minister were there to show our steadfast support, which has not wavered and will not waver.
Importantly, though, it is recognised that the right decision was made for the safety of the workers, and that is the bread and butter of the union movement: work health and safety. Credit to the unions who represent the workers there—the AWU, AMWU, CEPU and CFMEU—who have worked collectively to ensure decent conditions for their members. That has now been put to the test where we see eligible workers get fair redundancy packages.
Being a union member provides collective bargaining power. Individual workers negotiating alone have much less leverage with their employer. Unions allow workers to bargain collectively, and that very act at the Whyalla Steelworks has provided the workers affected by the closure of the blast furnace a very helpful redundancy package. Whilst those opposite pick and choose when it is suitable to align with a particular union over a specific issue, we always stand by workers and their unions and were there yesterday to stand with the workers and their unions on what was a difficult day.
Five hundred workers losing their jobs can sound like a lot, but it is worth breaking it down. This workforce has a wide variety of skills and expertise. For some of these workers, they will actually be breathing a sigh of relief, for there has been tension in the air for months as the blast furnace has been patched together to function. Now, they can make plans. As someone who spent 20 years in the union movement, I have seen this situation play out multiple times. For some, this is perfect timing. They are at an age where it is time to leave the workforce for good and getting a decent payout at this time is actually the dream, which is tricky as, whilst they think they have won the lotto, their colleagues and their neighbours will be feeling a deep sense of loss.
As we all know, our work is such a big part of our identity, and there is grief at losing this. Thankfully, they have their union to turn to. It is anticipated that about 200 workers will accept a voluntary redundancy. In addition, there are three employers in the region looking for skilled staff, and it is anticipated that another 200 will fairly quickly transfer to other employment. For the approximately 100 other workers, they will not be left without support. A worker transition centre has been established in Whyalla, bringing Australian and South Australian government services together in one location.
As a government, we acknowledge that this is a massive upheaval for those who have been working on the blast furnace. Given it is over 60 years of age, no-one is really shocked by the news of the closure, but that does not necessarily make the reality of the decision any easier to bear.
Workers do not make decisions in isolation; they make decisions with their families. As such, the transition centre will provide workers and their families with coordinated information and services, connecting people with employment services, career guidance, training, skills recognition, financial wellbeing support, and psychosocial support services. OneSteel Manufacturing will also provide eligible workers with individual coaching on CV preparation, LinkedIn profiles and career planning. Workers and their families will have access to employee assistance program services for three months following departure, together with workshops and group sessions focused on wellbeing, resilience and financial information.
Local businesses and suppliers affected by the closure will also receive support. They will have access to practical support to help manage the immediate impacts and pursue new opportunities. One-to-one outreach will identify the immediate needs of businesses most affected by the closure. Business connection events will bring suppliers together with government agencies, major buyers and investors, helping businesses establish new commercial relationships and explore future opportunities.
Our government, in conjunction with the federal government, have created a substantial support package. No worker will be left to walk this path alone. They have their union and they have this government.
