YIR 2025-2026

ASI advocacy initiatives in 2025-2026 included: 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. Interim findings are due later in the year, and a final report is expected in November 2026. https://www.steel.org.au/what-we-do/advocacy/asi-campaign-on-imported-fabricated-steelwork/ A major ASI priority in 2025-2026 was championing local content in state and federal government contracts. The work included lobbying ministers responsible for government procurement to enforce and further tighten regulations specifying local content in government contracts. It also included providing input to governments as a member of select panels to develop policy on local steel content in government projects. Successfully supported advocacy for an east-coast gas reservation to combat high local energy costs. Promoted the local...

2026-2027 is shaping as an exciting but challenging year for the ASI and the steel industry.  Key priorities for the ASI in the coming 12 months will be: Continued advocacy through the Productivity Commission, media and other channels to protect local fabricators from the surge in very low-priced imported fabricated steelwork. Implementation of the merger of ASI and the National Association of Steel-framed Housing (NASH). Modernisation of technical guidance for steel roofing and cladding, involving the release of new technical literature associated with the National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 roll-out. Revision and updating of existing industry guidance information to reflect recent innovations in building practices. Investigation of opportunities to enhance design for building resilience. Implementing a new traceability system for steel products. Engaging with governments on renewable energy projects. Advocating for local steel content in government and private industry contracts,...

Successfully advocated for an amendment to the WA Industry Participation Scheme to encourage local content in government projects. The amendment signals to government departments that locally fabricated steel – not imported steel – is the preferred option for their projects, and they must monitor their contractors closely to ensure compliance. Participated in a WA Government local content panel discussion focusing on ASI WA fabricator and manufacturing members. Joined the WA Government’s Made in WA Manufacturing Advisory Group. Contributed to Office of Major Infrastructure Delivery meetings. Lobbied state and Federal Government and Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) for support for Safeguard. Organised online and in person forums on Safeguard and other ASI initiatives. Engaged with Westport project (300,000t). Visited Department of Energy and Economic Diversity on regular basis and contributed to policy development. Maintained regular attendance of Electrical,...

Active engagement with the SA Office of the Industry Advocate on the development of a draft tailored industry participation plan for steel. Engaged with ElectraNet (SA) regarding the potential for local steel supply for ElectraNet’s Northern Transmission Project. Monitored the progress of South Australia’s northern water supply project and provided support for potential local steel content. Successfully set up an exhibitor stall as part of the SA Department for Education’s Student Pathways and Careers Hub, funded by the department and supported by ASI SA members, at the Adelaide Careers and Employment Expo. Engaged with the student attendees and job seekers to promote careers in Australian steel and student pathways. Continued to support the University of Adelaide – Australian Steel Institute Scholarship via the Australian Steel Institute Scholarship Fund which has been endowed in perpetuity by the university.