Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

The investments I have just described are a massive vote of confidence in the Australian auto industry. It is a shame, as we have just heard from the interjections today, that the Liberal Party are walking away from that investment. The member for Indi, for instance, has said there are more worthy and more needy causes. The member for Goldstein has called for the green car fund to be scrapped. As Victorians you would have thought they would have known better. Will they go down to Altona, Geelong or Glen Huntly and tell those Victorian workers: ‘Go home. You’re not needed. There are more worthy causes’? Will they go to Elizabeth or to Launceston and tell workers in the factories: ‘Go home. You’re not needed. There are more worthy causes’?

The Toyota investment at Altona will lead to dramatic expansions and renewal of capacity and anchor Toyota’s Australian investments for years to come. If we look at what is happening with Ford, which is supported by the Brumby government, we see great news for workers in that company. (Time expired)