Support for businesses and workers impacted by the challenges at the Whyalla Steelworks

The Australian and South Australian Governments have committed $100 million for support programs designed to help businesses and people impacted by the decline in steelmaking in Whyalla and OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd (OneSteel) being placed into administration.

OneSteel’s business activities include the Whyalla steelworks, South Australian iron ore mining assets, and related operations.

Applications for the Business Creditor Assistance Scheme and Small Local Business Support Grant have closed, but businesses can still access supports such as free financial counselling, legal advice, and mental health and wellbeing programs.

Workers experiencing job loss are encouraged to connect with the Career Transition Service to access career counselling and referrals to free training opportunities.

Impacted apprentices can contact the South Australian Skills Commission to receive help to continue their studies and transition to a new employer if necessary.

Currently being established by the South Australian Government, the $6 million Spencer Gulf Jobs and Skills Hub will be a welcoming space for the Whyalla and broader Upper Spencer Gulf community to access career advice, resources and employment opportunities.

South Australian Business Creditor Assistance Scheme

Payments are available to support eligible businesses owed money by designated OneSteel entities. This funding is to support a business' continued operation.

Whyalla Small Local Business Support Grant

Grants of $10,000 for organisations that have experienced a reduction in turnover due to the reduced capacity of Whyalla's steelworks.

Learn More

Spencer Gulf Jobs and Skills Hub

Information, support and resources for workers who have experienced disruption through the Whyalla steelworks issues.

Go to hub

Regional and Industry Partnerships Program

Project funding for eligible businesses and organisations to support workforce development as part of the Spencer Gulf Jobs and Skills Hub.

More information

HELP AND RESOURCES

Career counselling and referral to free training

Delivered by RDA Eyre Peninsula (RDAEP) in partnership with Resources and Engineering Skills Alliance (RESA), the Career Transition Service aims to equip each participant with a tailored career plan, which may include referrals to free accredited training.

This training, subsidised by the South Australian Government for contractors and workers impacted by the downturn in Whyalla’s steelmaking, includes access to opportunities such as:

Fee Free TAFE and other vocational education and training (VET) courses available on the Subsidised Training List

Recognition of Prior Learning

Accredited occupational tickets and high-risk licences (e.g. forklift, whitecard, first aid, confined space, elevated work platform).

Connect with the Career Transition Service

Financial counselling services in Whyalla

There are free, confidential financial counselling services available to support South Australians experiencing financial hardship. A financial counsellor can:

Assess your financial situation
Provide general advice and information
Develop a workable budget
Help you prioritise and consolidate debts
Explain the debt collection and enforcement process
Liaise with hardship teams at your bank, utilities, and other providers
Refer you to other support services if needed

If you're a business owner in Whyalla looking for financial support, you can:

Call National Debt Helpline at 1800 007 007
Call Way Forward at 1300 045 502
Visit Moneysmart.gov.au for tools, resources, and helpful financial advice.

For local support in Whyalla, contact:

Centacare – Catholic Country SA: (08) 8645 8233 (direct line for the Whyalla office).
Anglicare for financial and gambling counselling: 1800 759 707 (located at Whyalla Community Centre).

Legal Services Commission - Whyalla Office

The Legal Services Commission is facilitating free legal advice for Whyalla businesses who rely either directly or indirectly on the Whyalla Steelworks for the viability of their operations.

Lawyers are available each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to help businesses with any legal issues that may arise.

People in Whyalla wishing to access the service can drop in to the Legal Services Commission’s local office at 17A Forsyth Street, Whyalla, or book an appointment by contacting the Legal Helpline on 1300 366 424.

Contact the Legal Services Commission

Apply for deferral of taxes/levies due

Whyalla-based businesses impacted by the Whyalla Steelworks' challenges and administration may be eligible to have their state taxes deferred with no interest or penalty tax applied.

Taxes that can be deferred include payroll tax, land tax and the emergency services levy. RevenueSA will work with impacted businesses to arrange to defer any taxes or levies due.

To apply for a deferral email [email protected] using the subject line: 'Application to defer taxes/levies due'.

In your email please include:

your taxpayer or owner number
amount you wish to defer (if known)
summary of how your business is impacted by the administration of the Whyalla Steelworks.

Taxation officers will provide confirmation of approved deferred payment via email which will also outline the conditions of the deferral.

Contact RevenueSA

Mental Health and Wellbeing Program

Through the Office for Small and Family Business, South Australian small business owners can access mental health and wellbeing support for themselves and their employees at low or no cost.

With a series of delivery partners operating in Adelaide, across regional South Australia and online, you can select the program that best suits your needs.

Browse available programs

Access urgent mental health support