Opposition leader backs federal rescue package for Whyalla steelworks, rubbishes green hydrogen commitment

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to honour the Whyalla steelworks rescue package if elected, so long as none of it goes towards preparing for hydrogen power.

The announcement came as political leaders gathered in Adelaide to discuss the future of South Australia.

The Sovereign Steel package, committed to after Sanjeev Gupta's steelworks were put into administration, was formally signed today, and will continue even if there is a change in government at the upcoming federal election.

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However, Dutton today said that none of the $1.9 billion allocated for the steelworks upgrade will be used for green hydrogen energy initiatives if the Coalition is elected in the next three months, dismissing it as a "hoax product."

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas stated that he had seen references suggesting Dutton's commitment to a similar level of funding as the Prime Minister, but he had not yet thoroughly examined the remarks.

Dutton also ruled out a government he leads taking any ongoing equity stake in the steelworks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to make the same commitment.

While the $2.4 billion dollar funding announcement has brought peace to those in the Steelworks those on the ground in Whyalla say it's still a long road ahead, with finding a new owner key.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.