The release will be in response to the findings of the government’s taskforce on manufacturing.

He told the Australian Financial Review while he didn’t see any huge shifts in standing policy, the focus was on ensuring Australian companies had first crack at resource project work.

“We want the resources companies to be genuine about ensuring Australian businesses have opportunities,” Combet was quoted as saying.

“I will take feedback as to how that is working and if we need to have a closer look at it again, we are open to doing so.”

But this is far too late for the pipeline industry, which has slammed the federal government for inaction on the issue.

“Australia’s specialised line-pipe manufacturers have already closed – for good – because the recent major new work for the industry has been granted to imported products and companies,” Australia Pipeline Industry Association chief executive Cheryl Cartwright said today.

She said the government taskforce, led by former Queensland premier Peter Beattie, had been warned the industry faced closures but did nothing to stop it.

“Steel line-pipe manufacturing sections of BlueScope Steel and OneSteel and line-pipe coaters BrederoShaw, based in Wollongong, have closed and manufacturer Orrcon has transferred its operations to become a line-pipe importer,” she said.

“Critical skills in the Australian industry are in danger of being lost due to the increasing tendency of major companies to purchase from overseas manufacturers, although the highly skilled Australian personnel are often called on to deal with problems associated with imported products.

“While APIA welcomes government moves to stem the tide of manufacturing closures and improve the competitive edge of Australian businesses, this time it is too late for our manufacturers.”

This article first appeared in ILN's sister publication ConstructionIndustryNews.net.