Whyalla Employment

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK ().20 February 2025).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State): The Minister for Energy and Mining advises:

GFG Alliance made a series of staff cuts in 2024 citing a prolonged downturn in the global market and planned redundancies consistent with their mine transition plans. In total, we are aware of approximately 400 job losses, directly or indirectly relating to the Whyalla operations.

Since then, underpinned by the state and federal government's co-investment to fund the administration, we have been advised that the administrators are working to convert some of their contractors to permanent staff and are also creating approximately 63 additional full-time roles.

The South Australian and Australian governments have developed a comprehensive support program to support Whyalla and affected staff, which is in addition to supports usually offered. This includes, mental health and family support, financial advisory services, the Spencer Gulf Jobs and Skills Hub, the Regional and Industrial Partnerships Program, career transition services, free accredited training, the Apprentice Retention Program and more.

Numerous means of outreach have been undertaken, including community and workforce forums and representation by unions and other organisations. We have ensured widespread knowledge of these support programs and will work with those impacted at whatever time they are ready and/or able to engage with these services.

The South Australian and Australian governments are investing to secure the long-term future of the Whyalla Steelworks and jobs in the region.