The Prime Minister has announced that the Government will provide immediate and practical support to affected workers and communities following BlueScope Steel’s decision to reduce its operations in the Illawarra (NSW) and Mornington Peninsula (Vic) regions.

The agreement includes:

• Provision for BlueScope to bring forward up to $100 million of payments under
  the Government’s Steel Transformation Plan.

• A $30 million Investment and Innovation Fund to support new business ventures
  and create innovative, high-skilled jobs, predominantly in manufacturing
  and manufacturing services in the Illawarra.

• $10 million for immediate access to intensive services by Job Services Australia
  providers and training assistance to help affected workers find work in
  industries where there are more job opportunities.

• The appointment of Dr Don Russell, Secretary of the Department of Innovation,
  Industry, Science and Research, to lead a whole-of-Government response to
  the BlueScope announcement and to work with local stakeholders on a
  coordinated structural adjustment strategy for the region.

• A Local Employment Coordinator to provide practical advice at the local level
  and ensure workers get the help they need when they need it.

• Onsite visits by Job Services Australia staff, a Local Employment Coordinator,
  Centrelink and Child Support staff.

• Fast-tracked relocation assistance for BlueScope workers who have been made
  redundant and who find employment in another location.

• Financial information through Centrelink’s network of Financial Information Service
  Officers, and other personal support through Centrelink’s network of Social Workers.
 

More information