BlueScope's profit result undermines attempts to shut down Port Kembla steelworks

BlueScope's $134 million profit, and the nine per cent increase in revenue from last financial year, undermine the company's claims that it needs "sacrifices from its workforce" at Port Kembla in order to remain profitable, Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon said.

"BlueScope is threatening to shut down operations in Port Kembla, putting at risk tens of thousands of jobs across the Illawarra and the region's future economic viability," Senator Rhiannon said.

"The company's financial results released today show it has no case to threaten the jobs and livelihoods of its employees at Port Kembla.

"BlueScope is attempting to find more than $200 million in savings by directly targeting its own workforce, despite posting its best financial result in half a decade.

"Today's profit figure shows that steelmaking in Australia can have a future if companies like BlueScope are willing to work with their employees, union and governments to protect jobs.

"If the corporation's management cannot turn it around, then the state and federal government should step in.

"Steel making is too important to the region, the state and the nation to be left to the games being played in the boardroom and by senior management.

"The community deserves to have security in the future of the industry, not the on-again, off-again future that is driven by short-term profit volatility.

"The Abbott government has its head in the sand on the issue of jobs. Joe Hockey is too busy trying to delivery tax cuts for the rich, while refusing to say a word about the issue of jobs in the Illawarra.

"The Greens have been working with employees and unions to promote a plan to protect jobs in the Illawarra and start the transition to an environmentally-sustainable, jobs-rich future for NSW," Senator Rhiannon said.