Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward has flagged possible changes to government procurement policy.
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“I’ll be working with the government to strengthen procurement standards so that we ensure that quality as well as price are factors when governments purchase such materials as steel,” Mr Ward said.
“That gives Australian industries that are competitive the very best chance.”
The news comes as South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris called on Mr Ward to distance himself from “insults hurled towards our steel industry” in parliament by Ku-ring-gai MP Alister Henskens.
In the letter Mr Rorris claimed Mr Henskens implied the crisis facing the steel industry was “due to the laziness and lack of productivity in the workforce”.
Mr Ward reiterated his opposition to the procurement bill.
“I will not be voting for the steel bill because what the steel bill does is actually kill jobs,” he said.