Nick Champion, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Manufacturing today joined local Federal MPs Sharon Bird and Stephen Jones to meet with representatives and workers from the steel industry in the Illawarra.

Labor is committed to the future of the Australian Steel Industry and is calling on the Turnbull Government to set out their plan for the future of Australian steel production.

Throughout Mr Turnbulls leadership Labor has offered to work with the Turnbull Government in a bipartisan manner to secure the future of the steel industry in the Illawarra.

But to date the Prime Minister has refused to show leadership and has instead resorted to piecemeal policies and bandaid solutions.

Bill Shorten and the Federal Labor have previously outlined proposals to work with industry, workers and all levels of government to develop a long term plan for the sustainable future of the steel industry.

Labors steel plan would:

• ensure that government leads by example and works with Australian steel producers and their supply chains to ensure we maximise the use of Australian steel in government funded infrastructure projects;

• work with the Anti-Dumping Commission to develop options in relation to dumping as well as strengthen the current anti-dumping regime, consistent with Australias international trade obligations; and

• commit to transitional employment services and support for local communities such as Whyalla and Port Kembla which are facing the losses of jobs in the steel industry.

Labors plan will be informed by consultation with industry and the outcomes of the Senate inquiry on the future of the Australian steel industry.

A strong future for the steel industry is too important for the economy and for employment for the Prime Minister to fail to take appropriate action.