2015-11-10
The future of transport is electric and local under Greens bill
Electric, green vehicles and local jobs are the winners under a Greens Bill introduced today, which will expand the Automotive Transformation Scheme to provide a pathway for local auto manufacturing to shift to the technologies and jobs of the future.
“The future is electric vehicles and public transport, which all need high-tech components,” said the Australian Greens transport spokesperson Senator Janet Rice.
“We need urgent action to give the components industry a chance of surviving the exit of Holden, Ford and Toyota.
“We want to see skilled jobs remain in Australia – especially in Victoria and South Australia who will be hardest hit by the exit of the Big Three car makers.
“This bill opens the door to have Australian-made components in every electric car built here or around the world.”
The Greens’ Bill broadens the eligibility for the Automotive Transformation Scheme and outlines a way to redirect existing funding to encourage investment in the manufacture of electric and other non-fossil fuel powered vehicles.
“We need to look at how we can harness the skills of manufacturing industry to create new jobs for the future,” said Greens Senator for South Australia Robert Simms.
“With Holden closing in 2017, we need to get ahead of the curve to make sure we have new jobs for people to transition to. This fund would provide assistance to manufacturers operating in South Australia with a focus on those that take on employees working in existing manufacturing, as well as associated industries.
“Globally, electric car manufacturing is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. By 2025 it is estimated to be worth more than $500 billion per year, and Australia is perfectly positioned to get a slice of the pie.”
MEDIA CONTACTS
Senator Rice: Sam Drummond 0400 352 935
Senator Simms: Cambell Klose 0417 173 508