Message from the Chief Executive

MESSAGE FROM THE ASI CHIEF EXECUTIVE

AUSTRALIAN STEEL CONVENTION

The feature of this edition of steel Australia magazine is the 2022 Australian Steel Convention. The Convention was held from 9 to 12 October 2022 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. It brought together key industry leaders and innovators to discuss opportunities, showcase industry successes and examine what the future can, and will, look like.

With over 260 people in attendance, the 2022 Convention was our most successful yet. Just some of the speakers included the Hon. Ed Husic (Minister for Innovation and Science), Professor Veena Sahajwalla (Director of Sustainable Materials Research and Technology, University of New South Wales), Davina Rooney (Green Building Council of Australia), and Dr Phil Commins (Facility for Intelligent Fabrication). A big thank you to all of our speakers—all the presentations were highly enjoyable and engaging.

The social program was equally as enjoyable, with the Welcome Reception held at the Museum of Contemporary Arts, and entertainment by Diesel at the Convention dinner.

I'd like to thank all our sponsors and exhibitors, without which the Convention would not have been possible. For further details, please see the article on page 36.

ADVOCACY WORK

The ASI continues to advocate on behalf of the Australian steel supply chain on key issues. Energy pricing and security of supply are a critical issue for a tradeexposed industry such as Australia’s domestic steel value chain. We continue to work with all levels of government to address this issue.

Skilled Labour Shortage

We're also aware that the shortage of skilled employees remains high on the priority list for the entire industry. We are working on various fronts to help address this problem. ASI attended two round table meetings in Canberra in the lead up to the Jobs Summit in September. Tim Ayers (Assistant Minister for Heavy Industry) and 15 other industry participants to discuss jobs and skills needs for heavy industry. Interestingly, ASI was the only industry association invited. We were able to stress the immediate need for increased skilled immigration. We also highlighted the risk to current employment that high energy costs pose.

The second meeting was with the Hon. Chris Bowen (Minister for Climate Change and Energy). At this meeting, ASI advocated for local steel content in renewable energy infrastructure, including wind towers, solar racking, transmission towers and offshore wind projects. We stressed the need for sovereign capability to mitigate supply chain risks.

Export of Unprocessed Scrap

The ASI is also advocating on behalf of members in the area of bans on the export of unprocessed scrap. In conjunction with the National Waste and Recycling Industry Council, we recently presented our case to members of Department Industry, Science and Resources, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. We received very positive feedback following these meetings,

Mark Cain Chief Executive Australian Steel Institute

with our position and aligning with government policy.

Safeguard Mechanism Reform

The Federal Government recently published its Safeguard Mechanism Reforms Consultation Paper, which sets out its proposals to reform the Safeguard Mechanism to drive emissions reductions from Australia's biggest emitters. This is in line with Australia's commitment under the Paris Agreement of reducing CO2-e emissions to 43% below 2005 levels by 2030.

The ASI reviewed the Federal Government's proposed reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism, and undertook consultation with our steel manufacturer members to ascertain the steel industry’s overall position. As a result, we made a formal submission to the Government.

Roundtable on Energy Transition to Net Zero

The ASI was invited to participate in a roundtable discussion on the National Energy Plan, led by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. As well as emphasising the need for globally competitive energy costs, ASI put forward the need for local manufacturing capacity for renewable energy infrastructure.

NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE

In late August, Federal, State and Territory Building Ministers agreed to endorse the latest National Construction Code (NCC). NCC 2022 has been developed over the last three years under the leadership of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).

The changes associated with NCC 2022 are significant and broad ranging, particularly with regard to management of condensation and energy efficiency requirements. Given this complexity, earlier this year ASI wrote to Building Ministers to recommend a 12 month implementation period prior to full implementation of these more complex elements. Pleasingly, this call has been heeded.

An NCC 2022 industry communication strategy was developed at a half day meeting, attended by approximately 30 industry representatives. NCC 2022 contains a number of significant changes directly impacting steel roofing and walling applications. This will require substantial upskilling of the complete steel product supply and installation value chain to efficiently achieve compliance. To support this effort, a comprehensive communication and awareness raising initiative will be implemented, coordinated by the ASI.

LEADERSHIP IN SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

Steelwork Compliance Australia (SCA) has been audited and was awarded JAS-ANZ accreditation in late August 2022, for the full scope of AS/NZS 5131 Structural steelwork - Fabrication and erection. SCA is currently the only Certifying Body with accreditation to the entire Standard. With SCA as the single Certifying Body to utilise the National Structural Steelwork Compliance Scheme (NSSCS), the supply chain now has another level of surety that services provided by SCA are approved and monitored by JAS-ANZ. For further information, please see the article on page 20.

I am also pleased to report that VicRoads has recently specified that any fabrication work tendered by them needs to be certified to AS/NZS 5131; clearly the NSSCS is gaining more and more momentum across the industry.

STEEL SUSTAINABILITY AUSTRALIA

With increasing sustainability demands, the ASI's Environmental Sustainability Charter (ESC) is undergoing a significant transition process. The ESC will transition to the Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) certification program. The SSA program engages the entire steel value chain by verifying upstream steel producers supplying the steel feedstock and certifying the downstream suppliers against best practice environmental, social and governance.

SSA will adopt the GBCA’s new Green Star Responsible Products Framework, and enable SSA certified companies to access a far greater number of Green Star credit points for building and construction projects, whilst driving best practice sustainability improvements across their operations.

The SSA program has been approved by the GBCA and will go out for public consultation. For further

2022 STEEL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Judging for the ASI Steel Excellence Awards is well underway. The 2022 Awards will adopt the very successful format that was introduced in 2020. This saw state-based award presentations take place online. With a huge digital reach, finalists and winners will also be celebrated via video presentations, as well as the ASI website and social media channels.

All state-based finalists and winners will then be invited to attend the 2022 Australian Steel Excellence National Awards Gala, which will be held in Sydney on Tuesday 22 November 2022. This year’s award categories include: • Buildings (Large Projects) • Buildings (Small Projects) • Steel-Clad Structures • Engineering Projects • Innovative Cold Form Steel

Building • Young Designer, Detailer or

Tradesperson

We have introduced a new category this year: Innovative Cold Form Steel Building in recognition of the enormous expansion in this space.

Be sure to keep an eye out over the coming weeks for the announcements of the State Award winners. The Summer edition of steel Australia will also feature the National Award winners.