MYEFO TODAY MUST INCLUDE HOLDEN SUPPORT PACKAGE

 

If the Abbott Government’s support package for Holden workers and the car industry isn’t announced as part of today’s MYEFO, it isn’t funded and will continue to leave thousands of Australian workers and businesses in the lurch.

 

The Prime Minister must immediately announce a fully-funded, comprehensive support package, which recognises the effects on the supply chain and the communities around Holden’s two plants.

 

If this urgently needed package is not delivered today, it will be yet another blow to workers and their families from the Abbott Government.

 

The Prime Minister must not walk away from his responsibility to support Australians in need, and give them their best chance of contributing to the economy and the community in the future.

 

Holden workers, their families and communities, car components manufacturers and Toyota have waited long enough for the Government’s response.

 

Holden is leaving Australia after 65 years and responsibility sits squarely with Mr Abbott and his government which dared Holden to leave Australia.

 

The Abbott Government is ripping away at least $500 million in support for the car industry.

 

Federal Labor is calling on the Abbott Government to act swiftly and decisively to mitigate the damaging economic and social consequences of the closure of Holden’s manufacturing operations in Australia.

 

A reannouncement of Labor’s infrastructure plans simply doesn’t cut the mustard.

 

A full and comprehensive package must be part of today’s MYEFO and it must be implemented immediately to give workers and suppliers adequate time to retool, retrain and seek alternative employment.

 

TUESDAY, 17 DECEMBER 2013

MEDIA CONTACT: LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA UNIT 02 6277 5043