The Andrews Labor Government welcomes the Abbott Government's decision to abandon $900 million in funding cuts to the Automotive Transformation Scheme (ATS).
But it’s not enough.
The Abbott Government needs to use the $900 million to support the automotive industry as it transitions to other manufacturing opportunities.
Any unspent funds from the ATS must be used to help automotive businesses transition to the global automotive industry or diversify into other industries.
The Labor Government has always opposed the proposed funding cuts.
They would have been a catastrophe for the automotive industry, bringing forward the closure of a major car manufacturer and putting up to 100,000 Victorian jobs at risk.
The Labor Government has committed an additional $18 million to support the Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund (MNIIF) and the Geelong Regional Innovation and Investment Fund (GRIIF).
The Federal Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane, has refused to provide any details of additional funding and has stalled a review of the funds.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio:
“Tony Abbott needs to do more than half-heartedly reverse his cuts. He needs to support the automotive industry during the transition so workers aren’t left without a job.”
“The Abbott Government must put additional funding into Melbourne’s north and Geelong – two of the areas hardest hit by the decline of the automotive industry.”
“The Andrews Labor Government will stand up for automotive workers and hold Tony Abbott to account.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020