Kate Lundy (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

The opposition does not like hearing about the good work that the Labor government is doing. I would like to add to that. In July Ford announced it would be reducing its workforce at the Broadmeadows and Geelong plants, citing the need to restructure its production in response to changing consumer preferences for larger cars towards more fuel-efficient vehicles. The federal government has a range of measures available to assist workers, including intensive employment support under the Automotive Industry Structural Adjustment Program. Ford says that the changes to production will help achieve a sustainable operation and ensure employment levels are in line with the demand for Ford products. This does not impact on the design and production of the new models of the Ford Territory and Falcon for 2014, and the government's co-investment through the new car plan will help realise those plans of Ford.