Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian government is working with steel companies, large and small, to build on this industry’s strong tradition of innovation. First, we have invited steelmakers, steel unions, steel consumers and researchers to form a Steel Industry Innovation Council. BlueScope has welcomed the council’s capacity to ‘identify major infrastructure projects and opportunities where the Australian steel industry can demonstrate its capability and competitiveness’. Its members will include the CSIRO and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, who have been asked to focus on how we can continue the transformation of steel production. Second, the innovation council will advise the government on the appointment of steel supplier advocates to build connections between Australian suppliers and major project proponents in this country and world wide. (Time expired)