Independent senator Nick Xenophon says it's "all about jobs" as he weighs up where to throw his support in a possible hung parliament after Saturday's knife-edge election.
"That is the key issue. That is something that transcends politics, it transcends ideology," Senator Xenophon said on Monday.
"People deserve a well-paying job. We need to have a strong manufacturing sector in this state."
The Nick Xenophon Team is set to have three senators in the next parliament and at least one lower house seat, giving it considerable influence.
The popular independent has identified saving Whyalla steelmaker Arrium as one of his top priorities, because of the company's importance to the wider manufacturing sector.
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He says avoiding a "tsunami" of job losses when Holden closes its car assembly plant in Adelaide at the end of next year is also a key issue.
Both Labor and the coalition have put assistance packages on the table for Arrium, but Senator Xenophon said there was no reason they could not be modified.
His candidate, Andrea Broadfoot, is still in the running to win the northern SA seat of Grey, which includes Whyalla, and has suggested up to $300 million may be required to ensure the plant is viable into the future.
Senator Xenophon said he wasn't "endorsing or disendorsing" that figure.
"But let's see the exact amount that is needed to do the job in order to save those jobs," he said.
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill met with Senator Xenophon on Monday and pledged to work with the senator and his new colleagues in the interests of SA.
"Nick is going to have influence in whatever government is formed and so it's crucial we work closely together," the premier said.
