BlueScope Steel leads international consortium for Whyalla Steelworks purchase
The viability of the steelworks and BlueScope's consortium heavily relies on financial support from the federal and South Australian state governments.
Experts emphasise the strategic importance of the plant for Australia's economy and the future potential for green steel production in the region.
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Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
'We're open', but tourists scared off by algal bloom
A devastating algal bloom is scaring tourists off but tourism operators say they are open for business as many companies are left thousands of dollars out of pocket. Tens of thousands of marine animals have been killed since an algal bloom was identified off the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia in March, and has since spread along some of the coastline. Kevin Sweeney owns Reel Screamer Fishing Charters that operates from Port Turton in the Yorke Peninsula, west of where the outbreak erupted. "I'm one of the busiest charter operators in the state but the phone isn't ringing," he told AAP. Mr Sweeney said he is one of the lucky ones to have a second income as a commercial fisherman. "A lot of the other businesses locally, they haven't got that luxury so it's devastating they just haven't got any income," he said. There is no sign of the algal bloom in the water where Mr Sweeney operates but business has plummeted over two months when he is normally booked out until Easter. Business is picking up again but he blames the lull on the bad publicity of the algal bloom that has been misinterpreted as affecting the entire South Australian coastline. "The negativity in social media is the big killer at the moment stopping tourism," he said. Mr Sweeney is concerned the algal bloom may spread to his side of the peninsula by summer but in the meantime, he wants to issue a clear message: he is open for business. "Our waterways are quite healthy at the moment." Tourism Industry Council of South Australia reported nearly 100 other businesses - including tour operators, accommodation and retail - have experienced a loss of income as a result of the bloom. "The businesses are not impacted by the algal bloom at all ... but the perception is the coastline is impacted," chief executive Shaun de Bruyn said. A recent survey by the tourism body showed a 40 per cent downturn in business conditions compared to the same period last year, with an average financial loss of $52,000. Some businesses have already reported cancellations for the upcoming summer and many have been forced to shut up operations while tourism plummets. Mr de Bruyn said the body has received reports that most of those cancelling trips are South Australians as opposed to interstate travellers. "There isn't as much publicity interstate and overseas as to what is happening with the algal bloom," he said. The state and federal governments recently announced a $28 million package to support affected businesses, undertake more research and clean up the beaches where thousands of dead marine animals have washed up. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed he will visit impacted areas next week, promising to deal with long-term climate change impacts. "This isn't something that's the fault of any government, it's something that is a consequence of those nutrients and those high water temperatures which are there," he told ABC News. Environment Minister Murray Watt on Monday issued an apology to South Australians who felt the government's response was too slow.
West Australian
6 days ago
- West Australian
SA Greens push for mandatory work-from-home day amid fierce opposition
A second Australian state is set to push for workers to be able to work from home one day a week; however, the move has not come without its detractors. MLC Robert Simms announced on Thursday the South Australian Greens were drafting a Bill to guarantee public sector staff could work from home (WFH) one day a week if it was 'reasonable', saying it would 'set a benchmark for the private sector'. His call comes after Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced plans to legislate WFH protections for workers who could 'reasonably' carry out their duties from home. Ms Allan said the reform, which would make Victoria the first state to enshrine WFH legislation, was about recognising modern work patterns and protecting employees from having flexible arrangements arbitrarily revoked. 'It's working now, but we know that we need to protect it,' Ms Allan said on Today. 'We need to protect it for workers but also make it really clear for employers as well who are already doing this that working from home should be a right, not a request.' In SA, however, the move has been greeted largely with disapproval. Earlier this week, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas told ABC Radio that he would not support the proposed legislation. 'To mandate things, I think, runs the risk of having unintended consequences,' he said. 'And occasionally I think employers should have the ability to say, 'Look, we're paying you to do a particular task and this is where I need you to perform those tasks'.' Mr Simms claimed more staff working from home would negate travel time, cut traffic congestion and boost productivity, along with saving workers and families vital dollars. However, the SA Business Chamber has rejected the plan, saying legislation could drive a wedge between workers and hamper investment. Chamber chief executive Andrew Kay claimed current arrangements were working 'perfectly well where employers and employees negotiated WFH arrangements'. 'Enshrining WFH rights has the potential to drive a wedge in the workplace between the haves and the have nots,' he said. Legal experts revealed the Labor-Allan government's push to legislate WFH rights in the private sector were logistically almost impossible. Stacks Law Firm special counsel Geoff Baldwin said a large number of workers in Victoria were already eligible to request flexible working arrangements, and any new legislation would be at risk of being 'struck down', as it would presumably be inconsistent with existing Commonwealth laws. 'It's hard to see what (the) Victorian (government) might do which would have any appreciable impact on the Victorian workforce as a whole,' he said. A SA government spokesperson added that 'the state government opposes any Peter Dutton-style attempts to ban working from home'. 'Working from home arrangements where practical are important in a modern workplace,' they said. 'These arrangements tend to work best where it is mutually agreed between employees and employers, which is why mandating such a practice through legislation is not being contemplated by the state government.'
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Perth Now
‘Drive a wedge': Divide over WFH laws
A second Australian state is set to push for workers to be able to work from home one day a week; however, the move has not come without its detractors. MLC Robert Simms announced on Thursday the South Australian Greens were drafting a Bill to guarantee public sector staff could work from home (WFH) one day a week if it was 'reasonable', saying it would 'set a benchmark for the private sector'. Robert Simms is calling for South Australia to guarantee public sector staff can WFH one day a week. Picture Dean Martin Credit: NewsWire His call comes after Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced plans to legislate WFH protections for workers who could 'reasonably' carry out their duties from home. Ms Allan said the reform, which would make Victoria the first state to enshrine WFH legislation, was about recognising modern work patterns and protecting employees from having flexible arrangements arbitrarily revoked. 'It's working now, but we know that we need to protect it,' Ms Allan said on Today. 'We need to protect it for workers but also make it really clear for employers as well who are already doing this that working from home should be a right, not a request.' In SA, however, the move has been greeted largely with disapproval. Earlier this week, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas told ABC Radio that he would not support the proposed legislation. 'To mandate things, I think, runs the risk of having unintended consequences,' he said. 'And occasionally I think employers should have the ability to say, 'Look, we're paying you to do a particular task and this is where I need you to perform those tasks'.' Peter Malinauskas will not support WFH legislation. Picture Ben Clark Credit: News Corp Australia Mr Simms claimed more staff working from home would negate travel time, cut traffic congestion and boost productivity, along with saving workers and families vital dollars. However, the SA Business Chamber has rejected the plan, saying legislation could drive a wedge between workers and hamper investment. Chamber chief executive Andrew Kay claimed current arrangements were working 'perfectly well where employers and employees negotiated WFH arrangements'. 'Enshrining WFH rights has the potential to drive a wedge in the workplace between the haves and the have nots,' he said. Legal experts revealed the Labor-Allan government's push to legislate WFH rights in the private sector were logistically almost impossible. Working from home has its benefits. iStock Credit: Supplied Stacks Law Firm special counsel Geoff Baldwin said a large number of workers in Victoria were already eligible to request flexible working arrangements, and any new legislation would be at risk of being 'struck down', as it would presumably be inconsistent with existing Commonwealth laws. 'It's hard to see what (the) Victorian (government) might do which would have any appreciable impact on the Victorian workforce as a whole,' he said. A SA government spokesperson added that 'the state government opposes any Peter Dutton-style attempts to ban working from home'. 'Working from home arrangements where practical are important in a modern workplace,' they said. 'These arrangements tend to work best where it is mutually agreed between employees and employers, which is why mandating such a practice through legislation is not being contemplated by the state government.'
