Experienced steel industry executive Cyril Benjamin has been appointed as the new Steel Supplier Advocate to work with the Australian steel and fabrication industry to win major contracts.   

“I’m delighted that Mr Benjamin has accepted the invitation to become the Steel Supplier Advocate,” Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, said.  

“He will bring expertise, insight and leadership gained from wide-ranging senior executive experience in the domestic and international steel industry, and across the steel value chain.  

“Mr Benjamin was nominated for this pivotal position by the recently established Steel Industry Innovation Council, to improve opportunities for Australian steel and fabrication businesses to win major procurement contracts.  

“His thorough understanding of procurement practices will assist him in working with customers to ensure that these practices don’t discriminate against Australian suppliers.”  

Most recently, Benjamin was senior adviser to BlueScope Steel on its merger with US-based Butler Manufacturing. Prior to this, Benjamin was New Zealand Steel managing director.  

The Steel Industry Innovation Council comprises leaders from the steel industry, unions, fabricators and the research and academic sectors.  It is one of a number of industry innovation councils.  

At its first meeting, the council agreed on an initial work program to support the Steel Supplier Advocate, including identifying key projects in the pipeline and early opportunities to be targeted by the advocate.  

Benjamin will meet project developers and end-users over the coming months to follow up opportunities and provide feedback to the industry and government.   

The Supplier Advocate Program is part of the Rudd Government’s $19.1 million Boosting Australian Industry Participation announcement made in July. For more information visit www.innovation.gov.au