Labor plays politics with SA’s car industry
Jan 19, 2012
Steven Marshall MP
Shadow Minister for Industry & Trade
Shadow Minister for Defence Industries
Shadow Minister for Small Business
Shadow Minister for Science & Information Economy
Shadow Minister for Environment & Conservation
Shadow Minister for Sustainability & Climate Change
Labor plays politics with SA’s car industry
No detail has been provided to the Liberal Opposition or South Australians about Premier Weatherill’s announcement to provide taxpayer funds to co-invest in Holden.
Despite calls from the Liberal Opposition as early as last year for a bipartisan approach to the problems faced by the automotive industry, Premier Weatherill and Minister Koutsantonis have still not included the Liberal Opposition in any discussions or provided any briefings on the industry support package.
“It is all well and good for Minister Koutsantonis to play the ‘bipartisan’ card during radio interviews, but unless that offer of consultation is actually extended off-air then the gesture is meaningless,” Shadow Minister for Industry and Trade Steven Marshall said.
“Premier Weatherill and Minister Koutsantonis both support Labor’s toxic carbon tax which will seriously damage SA’s automotive industry – the Liberal Opposition does not.
"Make no mistake, South Australia will need to borrow money to pay for this co-investment. The very least the Weatherill Labor Government could do is provide taxpayers with a cost benefit analysis through the Industry Development Committee.”
On radio yesterday, Minister Koutsantonis announced that he would reform the Industry Development Committee to look at the co-investment plan for Holden. This Committee was originally created to provide bi-partisan advice to the Treasurer on industry assistance packages, but has not met since 2006.
“Minister Koutsantonis has provided no details about when the Committee would be reformed and has not contacted the Liberal Opposition with any information either,” Mr Marshall said.
“South Australians deserve to know how much of their taxes will be provided to Holden, and they deserve to hear what plans Minister Koutsantonis has to ensure the long-term prosperity of this integral part of the South Australian economy.
“I call on Minister Koutsantonis to stop playing politics with South Australia’s automotive industry.
“Labor is deliberately trying to deflect attention away from Premier Weatherill’s unpopular decision this week to gift former Premier Rann with a number of unnecessary perks.”