Fear Keeps Industry From Inquiry: Report

[937]

Fear keeps industry from inquiry: report

AAP, 05/12/06

Fears of retribution have stopped some automotive component manufacturers from offering frank advice on how to help the ailing industry, a report says.

Fears of retribution and loss of contracts have stopped some of Australia's automotive component manufacturers from offering government frank advice on how to help the ailing industry.

A report into employment in the car components industry tabled in parliament on Monday said some parts makers steered clear of the inquiry because of financial fears.

"Some component manufacturers were reluctant to participate, citing fears of retribution or loss of contracts," inquiry chair Phillip Barresi said.

"These are internal cultural and leadership issues which the industry itself must address if it is to confront global changes in a unified and coherent manner."

Mr Barresi's comments come little more than a week after one of Australia's major parts manufacturers, Ajax, went into receivership owing almost 200 workers about $12 million.

The report admits large scale redundancies have been a part of the industry in recent years but recommendations are also made on how to transition workers from the industry into new jobs.

"A focus on training, recruitment and labour adjustment programs address the immediate needs of the industry," Mr Barresi said.

"There is also a need to focus on how to best position the Australian automotive components manufacturing industry to ensure its ongoing competitive viability and success in the global marketplace."

[Mr X]

Mitsi workers made redundant in Adelaide are receiving counselling for lack of self esteem.no auto industry jobs are available for them to relocate to.

Australian cars are being built from an increasing amount of parts sourced from overseas.What happened to local content laws I wonder?