• Challenge to major parties to support legislation to freeze tariff cuts and for new national car plan

Independent Senate Candidate Nick Xenophon has challenged the Federal Labor and Liberal parties to support a freeze in the proposed car tariff cuts scheduled for 2015.  The call comes following warnings by Toyota Australia that the strong Australian dollar is jeopardising exports and the viability of the local motor vehicle manufacturing industry.

Mr Xenophon also supported the plea of Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Unions State Secretary, John Camillo, that there be a new national car plan.

“John Camillo’s call reflects the harsh reality that the Button car plan of the Hawke Government, with its emphasis on making big cars, isn’t suited in an era of high fuel prices.”

 

“There are literally many thousands of workers, and their families, dependant on the health of local car manufacturing. Plans to reduce tariffs to 5% by 2015 must be put on hold until a new long term plan for the industry is formulated.”

Mr Xenophon said that if elected to the Senate he would introduce legislation as a matter of urgency to freeze the tariff cuts pending a new national car plan.

“Putting up legislation to support our local car industry will force the major parties, and in particular Labor and Liberal Senators from South Australia, to tell us where they stand on an industry so important to the State.”

 

“This is an issue where I look forward to working closely with Premier Rann to advance the interests of the State and to protect local jobs.”