News reports have confirmed that the NSW Government has sent one of the largest train manufacturing contracts in Australian history overseas.
The New Intercity Train Fleet (NIF) will be built entirely in Korea.
That’s 65 trains, over 500 carriages and at least a thousand jobs offshore.
This decision comes at a critical time for the Australian rail manufacturing industry, and there is a substantial risk that today’s decision will cause the rail manufacturing industry in Newcastle to collapse.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) condemns the NSW government’s failure to include any local content requirements in the tender. This is a deliberate decision by Mike Baird’s government to send Australian jobs offshore.
“This decision is a betrayal,” said AMWU NSW Secretary Tim Ayres. “This is money that should have been invested in Australian workers and Australian communities. Instead, we are deliberately sending manufacturing jobs offshore.”
“We will be seeking critical talks with the government to prevent the collapse of the rail manufacturing industry,” he said.
A fact sheet on the NIF and the rail manufacturing industry is available.
Quotes attributable to Tim Ayres, Secretary of the AMWU NSW Branch:
“Mike Baird does not understand what these jobs mean to regional communities. Decision after decision shows that he is out of touch with the lives of the people of this state.”
“The Hunter Valley has the highest youth unemployment rate in the state, but instead of investing in apprenticeships for young people he is sending taxpayer money overseas.”
“These are trains that are paid for by the sale of state assets, but none of this investment will go to the communities who need it.”
“Mike Baird is running the state like a merchant banker. He doesn't care about workers and their families. He doesn't care about the kids who are looking for apprenticeships.
“It's not good enough to say this was the best price for the taxpayers. By sending this contract overseas, Mr Baird is condemning the rail manufacturing industry to the scrap heap.”
Media Contact: Joe McKenzie 0407931445
