AMWU: Carbon package delivers for Australian manufacturing

July 10, 2011

Australia’s largest manufacturing union has welcomed the Federal Government’s historic $15 billion investment in jobs, announced in today’s carbon price package.

AMWU National Secretary Dave Oliver said the package would position Australian manufacturing for a strong future.

“It provides compensation for existing emissions-intensive industries and regions and creates a low emission and clean technology industry fund. This package is an important start as we transition to a low carbon economy.

“There is no future for manufacturing and no real job security for workers over the next decade if we don’t put a price on carbon and back it up with support for low emission technologies and energy efficiency solutions.

"The Government should be commended for investing in manufacturing and giving Australia the chance to win a fair share of the jobs that come with clean energy solutions.

“Also it’s time for industry to step up to the plate and make sure this investment delivers a manufacturing industry for the future.

“There is a $6 trillion global clean technology market that Australia can now access. From the manufacture of solar panels to wind turbines to hybrid vehicles and all the building materials and lighting systems that will feature in the move to a more energy efficient low carbon economy.“

Mr Oliver said it was incumbent on the Federal Government to ensure they were made in Australia.

“The manufacturing unions will be meeting with Government following the announcement today, to ensure measures are put in place so a “make it here” policy helps to ensure that we manufacture the solutions in Australia.

"As the carbon tax encourages industry to cut its emissions and become more energy efficient, we'll also see new technologies invented and the support mechanisms in place to see those new ideas commercialised in Australia.

“This fund and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation will enable innovations and manufacturing jobs to stay here and not head off overseas to China and India because their government supported them and ours couldn’t. A “make it here” policy will help that happen.”