20 February 2025
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:43): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the Leader of the Government in this house, the Attorney-General, on the topic of the Whyalla Steelworks.
Leave granted.
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: This morning the government announced that a rescue package of $2.4 billion across the state and federal governments will be offered for the Whyalla Steelworks. The package includes $384 million to fund the operations of the steelworks during administration to ensure workers and contractors will have ongoing work and will continue to be paid. Additionally, there is a $1.9 billion investment in upgrades and new infrastructure. My question to the minister, therefore, is: will the government consider giving the public an equity stake in the steelworks to ensure that we don't see any repeat of the mistakes we have seen over the last few years, flowing from private ownership?
The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:44): I thank the honourable member for his question. As I am sure the honourable member will appreciate, this is the very early stages of administration before we see what comes next. As I say, what we are aiming for is ongoing continuing operation with a new owner. I think it was around 2017, the last time the steelworks was in administration—it was about 17 months, if I am remembering correctly, of administration before a new owner was found.
Issues to do with what it looks like coming out of administration are, obviously, a lot of work to look at that, but I think it is fair to say what the state and federal governments wish for—and what I think we all wish for in both houses of the South Australian parliament—is whatever happens and whatever structure it takes to give it the best possible chance of success for the people of Whyalla for decades to come.
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: Supplementary.
The PRESIDENT: Supplementary question, the Hon. Mr Simms. It would want to be good, given that you are only semi-dressed, but I will listen.
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: It has gone out of my head now, Mr President. You have embarrassed me.
The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: Point of order: is there a dress code for this chamber that we should be made aware of?
The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Franks, your point of order is well made. There is a convention that we try to adhere to. I know the Hon. Mr Simms is a very handsome man, but I would still prefer him to have a tie on like everybody else. If he chooses to defy me, it will be okay.
The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: Point of order: when you say 'everybody else', do you include everyone in this place?
The PRESIDENT: No, I am sorry: the males, the Hon. Ms Franks. The Hon. Mr Simms, let's have your supplementary.
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:46): Thank you, Mr President. Should a private owner be found for the Whyalla Steelworks, which we all hope is the case, will the government consider giving the taxpayer a public equity stake commensurate with the public investment to ensure that taxpayers have more oversight over what happens in Whyalla?
The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:46): I thank the recently described 'very handsome' honourable member for his question. As I say, I think it would be foolish to start trying to forecast what sort of structure or shape it might take after administration. As I say, I think we would all hope that whatever shape it takes gives it the best possible chance of providing for the people of Whyalla, South Australia and Australia for decades into the future.