Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey has talked with company management at Liberty OneSteel about the Whyalla Steelworks.
Despite being in Canberra for two weeks, the MP is aware of recent announcements of job losses and the temporary idling of the blast furnace due to an interruption in coke supply.
“The company has informed me that despite the pause in production they will not be standing any employees down or reducing hours in the period, Minister Ramsey said.
“We discussed the payment of suppliers and they informed me that while they have reached payment agreements with the big external contractors, the company is concentrating its efforts on ensuring the smaller, locally-based contractors are paid on time.
“Further, Liberty OneSteel now has some new technology available which they believe will enable them to fully fire the furnace in 2 to 3 days and expect that to happen in the first week of September.”
The MP has expressed disappointment in rumours and speculation circulating online and asks residents to remain calm as he tries to keep the community informed of any changes in circumstances.
While in Canberra, he took the opportunity to brief Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic on the situation.
Minister Husic expressed his interest and support of steel in Whyalla.
