Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend business of the Senate notice of motion No. 1, following a request from the government to insert the words 'or other' in paragraph (c) after the word 'Government'.

Leave granted.

At the request of Senator Pratt, I move the motion as amended:

That the following matter be referred to the Education and Employment References Committee for inquiry and report by first sitting day in May 2020:

The announcement, by General Motors on 17 February 2020, to withdraw the Holden brand and operations from Australia, with particular reference to:

(a) the impacts of that decision on:

  (i) Holden employees,

  (ii) the Holden dealership network (small and medium sized businesses and family enterprises, and their employees),

  (iii) the Holden research and development facilities, and

  (iv) owners of Holden vehicles (including service and repair);

(b) the role of the Franchise Code and the Government's proposed dealership amendments to the Franchise Code;

(c) Government or other policy settings on manufacturing, research and development, business support and transition, and employee support; and

(d) any related matters.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Australians are angry and disappointed by the General Motors decision to retire the Holden brand. The government are standing with those workers and dealers most impacted, and we are determined to ensure General Motors fulfils its obligations to them.

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Greens support this matter going to an inquiry. Hundreds of workers at Holden are set to lose their jobs within weeks. We really need to look into the impact of this government's lack of future plans for our industry and manufacturing sector. Holden's shutdown should be a wake-up call to the Morrison government. We need to urgently deliver a coherent, forward-looking, clean and green industry, with decent jobs that value workers. Now is the time to ensure that Australia is on the path to be a renewables powerhouse. As we face the twin crises of climate emergency and economic inequality a green new deal can transform our society and build a more just future for all. A resurgence of a sustainable Australian industry and manufacturing sector is fundamental to this new future.

Question agreed to.