Year in Review 2025-2026
Welcome to the 2025-2026 Year in Review.
The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) is the peak body for the Australian steel industry. We represent the entire local steel supply chain from the individual through to all businesses regardless of size.
Our vision is to influence profitable growth for the complete Australian steel value chain. Our mission is to promote steel as the material of choice; promote the capability and capacity of the Australian steel supply chain; and provide leadership in advocacy, compliance, safety, sustainability and technical education to more than 7,000 members and 700 companies nationwide.
Read on to discover how we worked towards these goals this year.
A message from the chief executive
During the 2025–2026 calendar year, the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) intensified its role as the peak body representing Australia’s steel supply chain, with a strong emphasis on trade defence, quality compliance, and sustainability.
Overview
Membership support over the past 12 months enabled the ASI to achieve the following significant advances for the Australian steel industry.
Advocacy
An ASI-initiated Productivity Commission Safeguard inquiry is now reviewing whether measures are needed to provide short-term protection for the fabricated steel industry, which is under threat from a flood of low-priced imports.
Sustainability
ASI led the steel industry’s drive to achieve sustainable steel in 2025-2026. Several key sustainability initiatives were undertaken over the last 12 months.
Compliance
ASI’s compliance schemes went from strength to strength in 2025-2026. The schemes include Steelwork Compliance Australia, ShedSafe® and Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA).
Membership
ASI now has a record 7,045 total members, with 717 corporate members and 25,061 contacts in the broader ASI community.
Marketing and communications
Marketing and communications crafted and delivered communication strategies, created content, and managed campaigns across various channels to drive ASI initiatives in 2025-2026.
Technical and research
ASI worked on several key technical and research projects, including revision of AS 4100 and development of a quality management system (QMS) for AS/NZS ISO 9001, AS/NZS 5131 and AS/NZS ISO 3834.
Workplace safety
2025-2026 saw the ASI provide input to government and receive advice on a range of issues including: Non-Threshold Genotoxic Carcinogens, regulation of hexavalent chromium, steel mishaps and crane licencing.
Students and careers
ASI has a strong focus on promoting steel as a career path. In 2025-2026, this included developing online resources, attending careers expos, meeting with government and industry stakeholders.
Education
ASI welcomed 1710 attendees at events, webinars and seminars. Members continued to seek access to ASI’s world-class resources, with 450 library enquiries and over 746 books sold.
Networking
The ASI annual convention brings ASI members together each year to share stories and explore latest development and innovations in the steel industry. Planning is underway for the ASI’s 2025 annual convention, to be held at the Manly Pacific Hotel in Sydney on September 15-17.
Industry recognition
The ASI takes pride in recognising the achievements of members. Initiatives undertaken in 2025-2026 to recognise such achievement included the ASI Steel Excellence Awards, the ASI Steel Sustainability Awards, sponsored academic awards and more.
Corporate partners
ASI worked with several corporate partners in 2025-2026 to deliver strong offerings to members. Key partners include AustralianSuper and Choice Energy.
New South Wales and ACT
In New South Wales and the ACT, ASI focused on issues such as renewable energy, local content and government procurement processes.
Victoria and Tasmania
In Victoria and Tasmania, ASI continued to advocate for the steel industry, regularly meeting with various government departments and industry forums.
Queensland and Northern Territory
In Queensland and the Northern Territory, just some of our activities included meetings with state government departments, as well as work promoting local capability for the 2032 Olympics.
South Australia
In South Australia, ASI helped develop a draft industry participation plan for steel. We also focused on skills and training initiatives, as well as the fabrication industry.
Western Australia
ASI is actively involved in various initiatives to support the steel industry in Western Australia. Key areas of focus included local content, renewables, compliance and procurement.
The year ahead
2026-2027 is shaping as an exciting and successful year for the ASI and its members, with existing initiatives reaffirmed and new projects and programs starting.
ASI event calendar for 2025-2026
The ASI provided members with more than 100 opportunities to engage and benefit from various meetings, webinars, events, eLearning and forums during 2025-2026 (highlighted). There were more than 80 industry discussions, meetings, and events that ASI participated in with key stakeholders.
