The Australian Government understands the importance of assisting the Australian steel industry to adapt to economic challenges and to ensure its long-term viability in a low carbon economy. To assist the industry, several initiatives and programs have been developed to improve environmental outcomes for the Australian steel industry and to secure the jobs of thousands of workers in regional and metropolitan Australia.
The following programs and initiatives were established by the Australian Government to ensure the needs of the industry are met.
Accessing Major Projects
For the steel industry, access to major projects is a crucial factor in assuring growth and commercial viability. Can your business improve its capability to win work on major projects? The links below lead to information and advice that may help your firm.
Australian Industry Particpation National Framework
The Australian Industry Participation National Framework encourages Australian, State and Territory governments to adopt a consistent national approach to maximising Australian industry participation, including the steel industry, in local and international investment projects. The Framework was signed by Australian, State and Territory Industry Ministers in April 2001.
The Steel Supplier Advocate
The role of the Steel Supplier Advocate is to champion and lead industry initiatives aimed at providing leadership and support to our current and potential steel suppliers to the resources sector.
Clean Energy Future Programs
The Steel Transformation Plan
The $300 million Steel Transformation Plan was announced by the government on 10 July 2011. The plan aims to encourage investment, innovation and competitiveness in the steel manufacturing industry, The Plan will assist the industry to become a more efficient and sustainable industry in a low carbon economy.
Clean Technology Programs
The $1.2 billion Clean Technology Programs support manufacturers through three components covering technology, innovation and specific industries. While a carbon price will provide incentives for steel manufacturers to reduce energy consumption, the Government will also help manufacturing businesses invest in energy efficient equipment, processes and products to reduce their exposure to changing electricity prices.
Business Performance
Enterprise Connect
Enterprise Connect provides businesses with the knowledge, tools and expertise necessary to improve productivity and to increase competitiveness and growth potential. Its services are delivered through a network of state-based Manufacturing Centres in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Burnie and five specialist Innovation Centres strategically positioned around the country. These centres are staffed by teams of highly skilled and experienced Business Advisers who provide a free customised Business Review, after which eligible businesses can access a range of additional services.
Innovation Programs
Commercialisation Australia
Commercialisation Australia is competitive, merit-based assistance program offering funding and resources to accelerate the business building process for Australian companies, entrepreneurs, researchers and inventors. It offers a range of funding options as well as multi-layered networking opportunities to help you achieve business success. Participants in the program work with dedicated Case Managers and benefit from our Volunteer Business Mentor Network.
R&D Tax Incentive
The R&D Tax Incentive provides a targeted tax offset designed to encourage more companies to engage in research and development in Australia. The R&D Tax Incentive has two core components - a 45 per cent refundable tax offset (equivalent to a 150 per cent deduction) to eligible entities with an aggregated turnover of less than $20 million per annum, and, a non-refundable 40 per cent tax offset (equivalent to 133 per cent deduction) to all other eligible entities.
Skills Development
The National Workforce Development Fund
The National Workforce Development Fund is providing $558 million over four years to industry to support training and workforce development in areas of current and future need. Organisations can apply for funding to support the training of existing workers and new workers in areas of need.
Steel Industry Innovation Council Supported Initiatives
Government Assistance
The Steel Industry Innovation Council has produced a leaflet summarising what assistance is available for your business and who to contact.
CSIRO's CO2 Breakthrough Program
Steel production accounts for 3 to 4 per cent of global CO2 greenhouse gas emissions, however is also a fully recyclable product that plays a critical role in the construction of alternative and renewable power technologies. Since 2006, the CSIRO and the Australian steel industry have actively pursued the development of breakthrough technologies that could significantly lower steel industry CO2 emissions.
Working with BlueScope Steel and OneSteel, the CSIRO has developed an Integrated Steelmaking Process with the potential to make more than a 50 per cent reduction of CO2 in steel industry emissions without compromising production.
Steel Stewardship Forum
Developed by industry and supported by the Australian Government, the Steel Stewardship Forum aims to improve the performance of the steel industry across the whole product life cycle – from mining through to manufacturing, processing, fabrication, use, reuse and recycling. Optimising each stage using sustainability principles will minimise the impact of steel production on the community and the environment.