Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown met with representatives of steel workers in Wollongong today, making good his promise to do so after Opposition Leader Tony Abbott promised to block the Gillard Government's $300 million Steel Transformation Plan when it comes to parliament later this year.

Accompanied by NSW Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon, Senator Brown said their talks were a preliminary exchange of ideas and information.

“These were very worthwhile discussions. I met with representatives of unions hosted by the South Coast Trades and Labour Council and I got a copy of the Green Jobs Illawarra Action Plan," Senator Brown said.

“I look forward to future discussions with the AWU and management about whether the $180m in the steel package earmarked for the region can be spent creating new jobs and achieving a pollution reduction dividend."

Senator Brown challenged Mr Abbott to also meet the steel worker representatives.

NB: from tomorrow Senator Brown will be away for the week and Senator Christine Milne will be acting Australian Greens Leader.