This is not the news Ford employees needed to hear on their way back to work in Geelong and Broadmeadows this morning.
In a radio interview on Melbourne’s 3AW this morning, Senator Abetz has said that the Coalition has not yet decided if it will provide financial support to the affected communities of Geelong and Melbourne’s north if elected in September.
“Now whether $30 million is too much or not enough these things will be considered in due course by the Coalition.”
SENATOR ERIC ABETZ - 3AW - MONDAY 27 MAY 2013
The question for Senator Abetz today is, how much support is the Liberal Party willing to commit to the future of affected Ford workers in Geelong and Broadmeadows?
These hard working employees and their families deserve an answer.
The only response to-date from the Liberal Party has been to blame employees who have negotiated fair wages through their enterprise agreement bargaining.
The Gillard Labor Government has made it crystal clear that we will stand side by side with Ford employees and their families throughout this difficult period.
We have also made it crystal clear that we don’t think a wages race to the bottom is the way to compete internationally.
The Prime Minister, together with the Victorian Government, announced a $50 million package of support to create jobs and stimulate economic development in the areas hardest hit by Ford's decision to stop making cars in Australia.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten said in addition, any workers from Ford and its suppliers who are made redundant will also receive immediate and intensive employment support.
Information sessions will be organised for workers in Geelong and Broadmeadows to ensure Ford workers know about the support available to them.
Any workers affected by Ford’s decision who would like to know more about any of these services can call the Ford workers’ hotline: 1800 269 564.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jessica Lindell 0408 642 804
