The AMWU is continuing to campaign for ‘green car’ investment programs, after Prime Minister Julia Gillard launched the Australian production of Holden’s new fuel efficient car in Adelaide on Monday.
 
The value of Holden’s investment in the new diesel ‘Cruze’ is estimated to be $417 million, with an additional $139 million coming from the federal government.
 
AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver, said the launch was proof the decision to cancel the Green Car Innovation Fund in January was a mistake.
 
“Holden and its workers weathered the storm of the GFC and have come out the other side with the Cruze – a clean, innovative vehicle that represents the future of automotive manufacturing.
 
“This car is being built here and not overseas because of the incentive to invest in clean automotive manufacturing. The decision to cut the Green Car Fund has put other opportunities like this in doubt, which is bitterly disappointing given the success here at Holden.”
 
However, with a price on carbon currently being debated in Federal Parliament, the union is arguing the government should introduce more programs for low carbon, clean industry development.
 
Mr Oliver raised the AMWU’s concerns at a forum with 30 government MPs in Parliament House on Monday night.
 
“Our union is talking about opportunities for jobs in low-carbon, energy efficient manufacturing in Australia,” he said.
 
“The global clean technology sector is already worth $6 trillion and Australia needs to get its share of that work. We could create thousands of jobs in Australia but we’ll miss out unless the government has schemes like the Green Car Innovation Fund in place.”   
 
AMWU SA Secretary John Camillo, who attended the launch with Prime Minister Gillard, has seen first hand what the Green Car Innovation Fund did for the automotive industry in SA.
 
“After the GFC there was lots of concern at Elizabeth about everyone’s future. Morale was very low, and skilled, experienced workers went for months on half-week shifts.
 
“The Cruze, along with increased demand for the Series II Commodore has re-energised the place. A second shift has returned and there’s a brighter future again.”

However Mr Camillo said it was disappointing local component manufacturers would no longer have the opportunity to use the Green Car Fund to develop fuel efficient, low emission technologies.

“We need to make sure components for cars like the Cruze are made in Australia as well. The AMWU will continue to campaign to see that happens.”