Australia’s companies must hit the ground running now that a carbon price will be set.
Dave Oliver, AMWU National Secretary, said the opportunities for Australian manufacturing were huge, but realising those opportunities would not be guaranteed by good legislation alone.
“Today, we will finally have a good policy framework in place but now the real work must begin.
“If Australian manufacturing is to remain internationally competitive, it must become energy efficient. Australia must be able to compete with countries that have carbon limits on their production processes,” said Mr Oliver.
“The legislation which passed the lower house today and the funding it provides means firms will no longer put off making the investment in energy efficient equipment or processes.”
Unions will now begin the task of working with employers and the government to ensure the many different investment schemes are used to their full extent.
“Linking the investment programs in the Clean Energy Future plan to local manufacturing, not just local R&D, is crucial.
“The manufacturing industry faces many challenges which were discussed at last week’s Jobs Summit. Those issues will impact on firms’ abilities to take advantage of this package, which is why there is plenty of hard work still ahead.
“Better management systems will be crucial to a successful clean technology sector in Australia. Improved productivity will be crucial. Local content will be crucial.
“The clean technology sector is worth $6 trillion globally and Australia needs to win our share of those jobs.
“Australia’s one million manufacturing workers need jobs today and they need jobs tomorrow. The Clean Energy Future plan gives our industries the chance to build a real future in the clean technology sector, but it must be matched with action from employers and government.”
Mr Oliver also said Tony Abbott had failed a key credibility test by voting against the $300 million Steel Industry transformation plan.
“Tony Abbott has looked steelworkers in the eye and promised them his support – but back in parliament he voted against a package to secure their jobs.
“Tony Abbott can not do other than say ‘No’ to everything. He should hand in his hard hat and fluoro vest because he is no longer welcome in Australia's steel plants."