The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has welcomed the retention of Senator Kim Carr as the Minister for Manufacturing in the new ministry announced today. The automotive industry’s peak body also welcomed the addition of the industry and innovation portfolios to those overseen by Climate Change Minister Greg Combet.
“Australia’s automotive industry has a long history of working productively with governments to maintain a strong and innovative local manufacturing industry. This is needed to enhance the nation’s transition to a knowledge economy,” said FCAI Chief Executive, Ian Chalmers.
“Minister Carr has been a very strong champion of Australian industry, and the automotive industry, during his time in Cabinet as the Minister for Industry and Innovation. We look forward to continuing to work with him. We are disappointed however that the manufacturing industry no longer has a direct voice in Cabinet.
“FCAI also looks forward to building a strong and productive working relationship with Minister Combet similar to that which we have with Senator Carr. We will be drawing Minister Combet’s attention to the priority issues on which we seek to continue to work collaboratively.
“The Australian automotive industry requires long-term manufacturing policy that provides business with the certainty to make Australian industry globally competitive.
“This includes acting quickly to ensure the design of the Clean Energy Future programs will attract investment to Australia by offsetting the impact of the carbon price on the competitiveness of Australian industry.
“It also means committing to a long-term partnership with the Australian automotive industry, which operates in one of the most open car markets in the world, to ensure that it is truly competitive when vying with other auto nations for the global investment dollar.”
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Sheena Ireland, Communications Manager
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