THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY AND SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING

STATEMENT
LABOR DRAGS ITS FEET ON WHYALLA PLAN

Tuesday 28 July 2026

Reports today that the sale process of South Australia’s Whyalla steelworks is dragging on are concerning, and leaves Labor with questions to answer.
 

More than a year since announcing a $2.4 billion bailout package, the Albanese Government still has no plan for the future of Whyalla, or its hundreds of employees.

Meanwhile, the Australian people are being asked to bankroll the bailout of our heavy industry – with another $222.6 million allocated to Whyalla in Labor’s Budget.

So, I ask the Albanese Government and Minister Ayres again:

What is Labor’s strategy when it comes to Whyalla?

How much more will the government spend on bailouts?

Labor should be honest with the Australian people.

Instead, it continues to use its Future Made in Australia “plan” as a taxpayer funded subsidy scheme.

The Albanese Government is overseeing the destruction of Australia’s industrial base.

[ENDS]