Part 6/9:
Kavanaugh underscores that Australia's few remaining steel plants, including the Wala facility, are critical to national security and economic resilience. The plant's location next to abundant iron ore deposits and renewable energy sources enhances its strategic importance. A potential ownership transfer would help safeguard this industrial asset from decay, which would have severe ramifications not only for South Australia but for Australia's entire steel manufacturing capacity.
He highlights the risk posed by irresponsible ownership—risk that the plant could decline into unusability, leaving Australia vulnerable to trade coercion and regional instability. Therefore, maintaining and revitalizing Wala isn't merely an economic choice but a national security imperative.