2020-02-17
Australian Greens Industry Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has reacted to news that General Motors will axe the Holden brand and 600 workers with it.
Senator Faruqi said:
“This should be a wakeup call to the Morrison Government. We need to urgently deliver a coherent, forward-looking clean and green industry policy, where value-adding in manufacturing takes centre stage. Hundreds of workers are set to lose their jobs within weeks.
“Workers deserve decent jobs and a just transition from old industries to the work of the future. Without well-planned support and investment from Government workers will continue to be left high and dry by corporations.
“We must foster a manufacturing renaissance in Australia with big investment from the government in green and renewable industries of the future.
“Now is the time to ensure Australia is on the path to be a renewables powerhouse, that we have a just transition from polluting fossil fuels to long term, sustainable and life-making work. A resurgence of Australian industry and manufacturing is fundamental to this new future.
“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.”