Weld Australia is calling for urgent government intervention to prevent the collapse of Australia’s local welding and fabrication industry, warning that without immediate action on the rising use of non-compliant, imported fabricated steel, businesses will continue to shut down — leaving the nation without the capability to deliver critical infrastructure projects.
Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, said the issue highlights three pressing national priorities: enforcing compliance with international quality standards, implementing mandatory inspections of imported fabricated steel, and introducing enforceable local content requirements in government procurement.
“Right now, we have local manufacturers losing work to overseas fabricators simply because they can’t compete with low-cost imports that are not held to the same quality standards,” said Crittenden. “This isn’t just a commercial issue—it’s a matter of national safety and sovereign capability.”
“In the last 18 months alone, an estimated $282.9 million worth of fabricated steel, or 62,866 tonnes, has been imported into Sydney from overseas. That’s hundreds of millions of dollars flowing offshore—undermining Australia’s local manufacturing industry, costing valuable Australian jobs, and having a huge impact on our economy,” said Crittenden. “In real terms, $282.9 million worth of fabricated steel equates to 12 months’ worth of work for 400 full-time welders, or approximately 16 mid-sized local Australian fabrication businesses.”
“Some of our local New South Wales members estimate that they have seen a 40% decrease in business over the last 18 months—citing imports as the key cause. Our members have been excluded from projects despite extensive experience, certifications, and capacity. Instead, the work was awarded to foreign contractors.”
“This is a textbook example of what’s wrong with the current system,” said Crittenden. “When local manufacturers with a proven track record of excellence lose out to low-cost overseas suppliers, it erodes confidence, jobs and safety. Worse, there’s no requirement to inspect imported fabricated steel upon arrival.”
“To remain competitive, local manufacturers are being forced to lower their prices to remain afloat, despite the fact they are supplying higher quality products that adhere to safety standards. This directly impacts their profit margins. The reduced pricing power limits their ability to invest in new technology, staff training, and other growth initiatives,” said Crittenden.
Weld Australia is calling on all levels of government to act immediately to protect Australia’s fabrication industry by implementing the following critical measures:
- Enforce mandatory local content requirements on all government-funded projects, with explicit reference to Australian-fabricated steel.
- Mandate that at least 50–60% of all steel used in government-funded projects is fabricated locally by qualified, certified Australian welders, unless a genuine, documented exception applies.
- Require compulsory inspection of all imported fabricated steel prior to erection, to verify full compliance with Australian Standards and protect public safety.
“This isn’t about shutting out the world,” said Crittenden. “It’s about holding every supplier—local or overseas—to the same safety and quality standards. Anything less is a risk to both industry and public safety.”
Weld Australia’s position is supported by local fabricators, who have invested heavily in compliance and certification, only to see work offshored with little regard for quality, cost to taxpayers, or national industry development.
“We cannot afford to continue undermining our own industry,” concluded Crittenden. “We must act now to protect local capability, national safety and the future of Australian manufacturing.”
About us:
Weld Australia represents the welding profession in Australia. Its members are made up of individual welding professionals and companies of all sizes. Weld Australia members are involved almost every facet of Australian industry and make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy. The primary goal of Weld Australia is to ensure that the Australian welding industry remains locally and globally competitive, both now and into the future. Weld Australia is the Australian representative member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW). For more information or to join Weld Australia, please visit: www.weldaustralia.com.au.
Contact details:
Sally Wood on 0434 442 687 or [email protected]
