Australian jobs have been secured and Holden has emerged unscathed by GM’s bankruptcy in the US due to a strong, active and strategic approach to Australian industry from the Federal Government.

AMWU National Secretary Dave Oliver said that the strategic direction and targeted investment developed by government, industry and unions meant that Holden had already changed direction and avoided the situation that led to GM’s collapse.

“Twenty five thousand jobs were lost in the US and nine plants closed, but we’ve had no plant closures and no job losses in Australia. The Federal Government’s auto industry plan can take a lot credit for that.”

Mr Oliver said that while the auto industry suffered under a decade of negligence by the Howard Government, this demonstrates what a difference strategic industry policy makes.

“There can be no doubt that without the government’s role, the result of the GM collapse would have been very different for Holden,” said Mr Oliver.

“The Rudd Government funding allocated under the Auto Review has given Holden the confidence to gear up to produce a small car. Ford has also committed to building a four-cylinder car in Victoria and Toyota will begin building an Australian-hybrid Camry from next year.

“At a time when unemployment is rising and the preservation of Australian jobs is of the utmost importance, we should recognise that government investment can help secure industries that provide good jobs for Australians for generations to come,” said Mr Oliver.