Welcome ATS backdown not enough to jumpstart electric car industry: Greens
Greens Deputy Leader and Industry spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today celebrated the Senate’s victory in stopping the government’s planned $900 million cuts to the Australian auto industry, but said the scheme’s rules need to change to shift gears to an electric car industry.
“Today we celebrate the Senate staring down the government’s plans to throw thousands out of work by cutting almost a billion dollars out of the auto industry without a transition plan,” Mr Bandt said.
“But this backdown is not enough to create sustainable jobs in a cleaner Australian car industry.”
“Currently, many Australian car component manufacturers are not eligible to receive government support.”
“Australian component manufacturers must produce for Australian major vehicle companies in order to receive support. This holds back Australian component makers for meeting demand from across the world, particularly in the growing market for electric and alternative fuel vehicles.”
“We need to change the rules so that these manufacturers can receive this industry assistance and grow to meet this global demand.”
“The Greens’ plan would refocus industry assistance to create and sustain jobs in the Australian auto industry and secure us a place in the electric car revolution that is sweeping the world.”
“If the government is serious about creating a sustainable future for the Australian auto industry, sit down with the Greens and work out how we can change the rules to jumpstart an electric car industry and together pass an amended scheme through the Senate.”
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054