Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question. As the senator would know, the government made a very important announcement about innovation and the attempt to modernise our economy and lift our productivity capacity. The future of the Australian automotive industry lies in its ability to innovate, to meet changing consumer preferences and to respond to the challenge of climate change. The Green Car Innovation Fund which we have announced aims to support strategic investments that introduce and adapt new technology to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency in the automotive industry. That support from the government was a critical factor in Toyota Australia’s decision to build and produce a hybrid Camry locally in Australia. That is the government’s understanding and it is Toyota’s understanding.

We want to be clear about what industry programs seek to achieve, and we must ensure these programs are effective. The Productivity Commission’s report will be a valuable input to the Bracks review and the government’s response to it. The commission is a first-class body; it has produced more than 100 publications in the last three years, but I do not expect to agree with all of the views and all of the publications. The government will look closely at the evidence and the views before us. The hybrid Camry, though, will be the first green vehicle of its kind commercially made in Australia. It will produce lower emissions than any other Australian made model and it will lead the way for cleaner, greener Australian produced vehicles.

Toyota’s announcement is a coup for the Australian automotive industry and one which stands the industry in a better stead for a competitive and sustainable future. I hope that the opposition supports this important development.