The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to shift responsibility for safeguard actions from the Productivity Commission to the Anti-Dumping Commission.
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres said with the change designed to streamline investigations into sudden import surges and better protect domestic manufacturers.
ASI chief executive Mark Cain said the decision brought greater certainty to the process of pursuing a Safeguard action.
“More importantly it brings the oversight of all trade measures in Australia into line with other comparable countries,” Cain said.
“With our local steel industry currently in severe financial distress due to a surge in very low-priced imported fabricated steelwork, the streamlining and simplification of Safeguard investigations is an important step in protecting local jobs, and small business, and sustaining essential sovereign capabilities.”
The ASI said it is in the final stages of preparing an application for a Safeguard action on behalf of the domestic steel sector.
The ASI says its role is to advocate for policies that support the long-term sustainability of the steel industry, ensuring decision makers, consumers and industry partners recognise the “strength, beauty and versatility” of Australian steel.
By acting as a central voice for the sector, the ASI provides leadership on issues affecting the industry, with a strong focus on economic, environmental and social sustainability.
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Cain said the reforms announced this week would strengthen the resilience of the domestic steel supply chain at a time of growing international competition.
The ASI represents the entire steel supply chain, from manufacturing mills through to end users in construction, heavy engineering and manufacturing. Its mission is to promote greater use of Australian steel and improve competitiveness in key strategic markets.
Steel is a cornerstone of the nation’s construction, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, providing a vital source of innovation, capability and employment in both cities and regional communities.
