Combet Calls For More Australian-Made Cars In Government Fleets

Federal Industry and Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has emerged from a crucial meeting in Melbourne, calling for more Australian-made cars in government fleets.

The meeting lasted just over one hour and involved representatives from Holden, Ford and Toyota along with the Victorian and South Australian state governments, the federal government, unions and the component manufacturing industry. 

Minister Combet called on Australian state and territory governments to buy more Australian-made cars.

“It was a constructive discussion,” Mr Combet said.

“We have a bit more to do (to secure the industry’s future) is the short story. In the meantime, I would like to encourage all state and territory governments to have a greater percentage of Australian-made cars in their fleets.”

“Less than 50 percent of some government fleets are currently Australian-made.”

Representing the unions, ACTU secretary Dave Oliver said the meeting was productive.

“We are all on the one page,” Mr Oliver said.

“Everyone is committed and we are prepared to work together.”

Mr Combet would not be drawn on questions about additional funding for Toyota Australia, saying that discussions were continuing.

Stay tuned to TMR as we await statements from the other major parties involved in the discussions.