Yesterday the Abbott Government voted against supporting car componentry manufacturers in Ballarat.
Coalition MPs passed legislation that would cut $500 million from the Automotive Transformation Scheme between now and 2017 and terminate the scheme from the end of 2017, resulting in a further $400 million cut.
Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, spoke against the bill, calling on the Abbott Government not to cut auto jobs which are vital to regional areas such as Ballarat.
"There are small companies in very small towns throughout regional Victoria making seat covers, making seatbelts;
"Here in Ballarat, local car component manufacturers produce metal pressings and assemblies, disk brake pads, seatbelts, exhausts and automotive electrical harnesses.
"Without a local car industry many of these businesses will simply not have enough work to be viable.
"The Abbott Government has abandoned local auto workers and their families by cutting this support which is critical to employment and economic development in Ballarat."