Ms BYRNES (Cunningham) (13:43): Today, Australia's largest steelmaker, BlueScope, has announced the retirement of its CEO and managing director, Mark Vassella. For eight years, Mark has led BlueScope through a transformational period with integrity and a determination to redefine BlueScope's role in our community.

Mark's leadership has helped change the face of local steelmaking. His admirable legacy includes a 14 per cent reduction in emissions intensity, a 25 per cent uplift in female workforce participation and a focus on First Nations inclusion. He led the $1.15 billion relining of the No. 6 blast furnace, improving environmental outcomes of local operations and creating jobs.

He was instrumental in one of the biggest land transformation projects in the world, which will secure thousands more jobs in the long term, creating space for new industries and positioning Port Kembla on the world stage of innovation.

BlueScope's impact on the Illawarra cannot be overstated; it's our biggest employer and a key player in Australia's critical manufacturing industry. I thank Mark for his passion and commitment to our community, and wish him well in the future.

I also congratulate his successor, Tania Archibald, another demonstrated steel leader and BlueScope's first female CEO. We are fortunate to have effective and capable BlueScope leadership from individuals that value our community and the continued importance of Australian steelmaking in our clean-energy future. I am confident Tania will be another visionary leader.