The Manufacturing Alliance union leaders, Dave Oliver of the AMWU, and Paul Howes, of The Australian Workers’ Union, said today that the evidence was clear that the Shadow Treasurer  was now making policy decisions on the run without consulting key stakeholders.

“ Hardly had this policy balloon slipped out of Joe Hockey’s mouth on ABC radio we had  his senior frontbench colleague, Ian MacFarlane, distanced himself from the idea  and spokespeople for  key employer groups , such as the Australian Industry Group, and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, questioned  the Shadow Treasurer’s wisdom,” Paul Howes, National Secretary of The Australian Workers’ Union said.

“ If the Opposition want to be serious players in the development of manufacturing  they should take the time to consult properly with  all the stakeholders and come up with a sensible plan which protects the sector, expands jobs and supports new export opportunities especially targeting the Asia-Pacific regions."

The Manufacturing Alliance unions have been working with industry and government to look at new incentives to expand our manufacturing base .  The Alliance unions sponsored an important and successful tri-partite meeting in Canberra last year to help build a new era of co –operation.

“ The Opposition 's policy is to sit back and allow our manufacturing sector  to collapse,” said AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver.

“ Throughout the years Howard years Australia suffered because the Coalition Government   never had a plan to support investment in important research and development. The Rudd Government has by contrast taken a leading role and already helped secure a future for our auto-industry through strong action and a co-operative approach." 

“ In an election year we need all political parties to come up with sensible level-headed plans for Australia – but Joe Hockey, at the moment, seems to prefer head-line grabbing, divisive, flat-earth economics,” Dave Oliver said.