A record 272 delegates descended on Sydney’s northern beaches in September for the Australian Steel Institute’s annual Steel Convention, the premier gathering of leaders from across the nation’s steel supply chain. Held from 15 to 17 September 2025 at the Manly Pacific, the Convention showcased the industry’s unity and strength under the theme Participate. Innovate. Evolve.
The 2025 Steel Convention kicked off in style on Monday evening, 15 September, with a Combilift-sponsored Welcome Reception at the Steyne Rooftop Bar overlooking iconic Manly Beach. Against a spectacular sunset, delegates mingled with colleagues and reconnected over canapés and drinks, setting the tone for an inspiring and well-attended program ahead.
Day one: big ideas, industry insight
The Convention officially opened on Tuesday morning, with MC Paul Swain welcoming delegates and ASI Chair Tony Schrieber outlining the themes of participation, innovation and evolution that would define the two-day program.
A recorded message from Federal Industry and Innovation Minister, the Hon. Tim Ayres, reaffirmed the government’s support for a strong domestic steel sector. Ayres acknowledged the importance of local steel to Australia’s future. But he conceded the cost of energy, in particular natural gas, was a hurdle in the local steel industry’s push to a more sustainable future. “We (the Federal Government) will look at current settings,’” he told the convention.
The ASI on behalf of the industry has called for an east coast gas reservation similar to WA to ensure gas and energy more broadly is affordable and competitive for domestic manufacturers. Access to competitive gas supplies will also be critical to advancing the steel industry’s decarbonisation ambitions, with natural gas based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) production having the potential to deliver a 60% reduction in emissions.
Acknowledging the important role the ASI and its chief executive Mark Cain were playing on Federal Government committees investigating sustainability, Ayres said a strong local steel industry was vital for the Australian economy. He said government support for the local steel industry included $2.4b in funding (with the SA Government) for the Whyalla steelworks and $500m for the green iron investment fund.
Referring to the ASI’s Safeguard action to protect local fabricators from a surge in imported fabricated steel, Ayres said the government’s decision to shift responsibility for Safeguard from the Productivity Commission to the Anti-Dumping Commission reflected its desire to ensure a level playing field for the local industry. Safeguard actions temporarily protect local businesses from a surge in overseas imports.
The ASI’s call for an east coast gas reservation, including an effective price mechanism, was strongly backed by BlueScope Chief Executive Australian Steel Products Tania Archibald. In her address to the convention, Archibald said Australia was “awash with natural gas and should form a clear natural advantage for our manufacturers”.
In his presentation to the convention, Anti-Dumping Commissioner David Latina said he recognised the strong concern in the local steel industry over the surge in imported fabricated steelwork into Australia, and the important role being played by the ASI in bringing that concern to the attention of the government. Latina noted of the 60 existing anti-dumping actions in Australia, 45 were from the steel industry. In regard to the ASI’s Safeguard action, he said the Anti-Dumping Commissioner would always support local businesses “where the evidence is there”.
Latina welcomed the Anti-Dumping Commission taking over responsibility for Safeguard, saying it would make Australia’s trade remedies system more effective and align Australia with overseas countries.
Decarbonisation and energy transition
Sustainability was front and centre as InfraBuild CEO Francisco Irazusta explored how decarbonisation and the energy transition are reshaping steelmaking. This was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring Michael Dawson (ASI), Wendy Merz (Trinity Consultants), Angela Clarke (Northmore Gordon), Will Richards (Pollination Law) and Philippa Stone (BlueScope), who unpacked lifecycle assessment, data standards and funding opportunities across the steel value chain.
Case studies, policy and excellence
After lunch, Arup’s Andrew Johnson showcased the Ken Rosewall Arena redevelopment, an engineering case study in sustainable structural design. Daniel Martinez (Alvarez & Marsal) outlined government incentives available to steel companies, while Anti-Dumping Commissioner David Latina addressed the challenges of maintaining fair trade in an evolving global market.
Sean Adams from CSF Industries shared his family business’s journey toward smarter, more sustainable fabrication practices. The afternoon continued with Steel Mains’ Rodney Glocer presenting on the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline, followed by an inspiring leadership keynote from seven-time World Surfing Champion Layne Beachley, who encouraged attendees to embrace purpose and resilience both personally and professionally.
Fabricators forum and gala dinner
Running alongside the afternoon sessions, the Fabricator Forum delved into the critical issue of imported fabricated steel. With ASI CEO Mark Cain and NSW State Manager David Varcoe providing updates on the Safeguard Application, the forum offered clarity and strategic direction at a time when local content and capability remain under pressure.
As night fell, delegates donned their best for the BlueScope-sponsored Gala Dinner in the Manly Pacific Ballroom, where Mahalia Barnes delivered a powerhouse live performance. The evening celebrated the industry’s achievements, partnerships and shared commitment to Australia’s steel future.
Day two: energy, optimisation and optimism
Wednesday’s sessions began with an electrifying keynote from Red Bull Air Race World Champion Matt Hall, whose “Big Dreams, Small Margins” address translated precision, discipline and high-performance mindsets from the air to the boardroom. Alfabs’ Henry Thompson followed with an engineering case study on the Sydney Gateway Bridge Nose Launch Project, while GridBeyond’s Chris O’Brien demonstrated how AI-powered platforms can optimise energy use across steel operations.
Innovation in action
The 2025 Convention also introduced a new and popular element: technical tours. Delegates had the chance to go behind the scenes at InfraBuild’s Sydney steel mill, BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks, Rollco, Chess Engineering, Rondo, and the BlueScope Western Sydney Paint Line, gaining firsthand insight into advanced manufacturing, sustainability and innovation in action.
Looking ahead
Across three days, the 2025 Australian Steel Convention proved why it is the industry’s most anticipated annual event. With record attendance, high-calibre speakers, and meaningful discussion on sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness, it reaffirmed the Australian steel industry’s determination to evolve — together.
