Embattled steel producer Arrium remains hopeful of federal government support for its Whyalla operations despite being overlooked in the federal budget.
South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis has criticised the commonwealth for not outlining a plan to co-invest in the steelworks as he scored the budget an "uninspiring" five out of 10.
He said business tax cuts were welcome but the financial blueprint also failed to deliver any new infrastructure projects for SA or reverse previous health and education cuts.
"This budget didn't answer any questions about Arrium and steel manufacturing and didn't answer any questions about infrastructure for our state," Mr Koutsantonis told reporters on Wednesday.
Arrium administrators KordaMentha said they understood that support packages could not be "conjured up overnight" and the budget was probably locked-in soon after the company went into administration in April.
"Just because there's nothing specific in the budget doesn't mean there may not be something down the track," KordaMentha spokesman Mike Smith told AAP.
Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison was keeping his cards close to his chest and said Whyalla didn't need the government to come in and just splash some cash.
He said Arrium would survive by securing paying clients with contracts and that's why the commonwealth had brought forward a $50 million rail project that would use the company's steel.
The budget also failed to cough up for SA's infrastructure wish list including an expansion of Adelaide's tram network, the electrification of the Gawler rail line, road projects in the far north and a major medical research facility.
Mr Morrison instead talked up previously announced defence work that will come SA's way over the next decade, including the construction of frigates, patrol boats and submarines.
SA can also expect to get extra cash from increased GST returns and specific purpose grants but not as much as forecast in the mid-year budget review.
Mr Koutsantonis said there were no new "rivers of gold" flowing into the state although the opposition said the increase in federal funds had created an opportunity to reinvigorate SA's moribund economy.
"The federal budget has given the state government genuine room to move on economic stimulation," opposition finance spokesman Rob Lucas said.
Just how much will be revealed in the state budget in June, although the treasurer has not ruled out delaying its release in light of the looming federal election campaign.
