Liberals split over jobs
Kim Carr
posted Thursday, 21 January 2010
After senior Liberal Frontbencher Ian MacFarlane today slapped down comments made by Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey yesterday, Tony Abbott must follow suit and rule out cuts to industry assistance for automotive and the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industries.
In one of the most reckless examples of policy on the run, Mr Hockey yesterday said that axing billions of dollars of support for auto and TCF was "something that needs to be looked at seriously if you are going to improve productivity in Australia" (ABC AM).
This morning on radio, Mr MacFarlane all but ruled out cutting any assistance.
JOURNALIST: Does that mean some might go?
MACFARLANE: I would doubt very much if any would go, to be quite honest. Having been industry minister for six years and having administered those plans for most of this decade, you could say, I'd be confident that those industry grants would remain...(ABC NewsRadio Breakfast)
Tony Abbott must immediately rule out Hockey's reckless speculation, which amounts to nothing more than a threat to working families and confidence in Australian industry.
Every second that this confusion continues confidence and investment are being undermined, jeopardising Australian jobs.
The jobs of one million high skilled and dedicated manufacturing workers are not to be used as some political play toy for a training wheel Opposition - the stakes are just too high.
While the Rudd Government is pulling out all stops to restore confidence after the worst global recession in a generation, the Opposition is trying to destroy it.
The Rudd Government's position is clear, a strong and vibrant manufacturing sector is vital to our future prosperity. That is why we have committed to transforming Australian manufacturing through a New Car Plan, a TCF Innovation Package, and a record level of expenditure on research and innovation.
Every day that ticks by, it is becoming starkly clear that you just can't trust Tony Abbott and the Liberal Party when it comes to the economy.
Tags: Abbott, Economy, Hockey, Industry, Jobs, Liberals, TFC