Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McEwen very much for that question. It is an important matter. The decision of Bridgestone Australia to close its tyre factory at Salisbury by next April is evidence of the pressures that are now bearing down on Australian industry. Those pressures have been intensified by the global recession, which is not yet over. This is not the time to relax our vigilance, and that is why the Commonwealth has acted swiftly, in partnership with the government of South Australia, to support the 600 workers employed at the Salisbury plant. We have established a Commonwealth-state task force to oversee the delivery of services to the affected workers. The task force has also involved senior company representatives and unions.

Bridgestone has said publicly that workers will receive their full entitlements. The Commonwealth will provide a $4.7 million package of measures to support job search and job training. We want to ensure that workers get back into the workforce as quickly as possible. All Bridgestone workers are eligible for intensive employment services under the government’s Automotive Industry Structural Adjustment Program, which is part of the New Car Plan for a Greener Future. AISAP offers workers who are made redundant from the automotive manufacturing company stream free assistance from a local Job Services Australia provider. Providers will help workers develop a tailored employment pathway plan and provide additional assistance to help them find new employment.

Workers will also be supported by a local employment coordinator for the Northern and Western Adelaide Priority Region, where the plant is located. Senator Arbib is responsible for that particular aspect of the program. We will be standing shoulder to shoulder with the 600 workers, and their families, who have been displaced by the decision of Bridgestone Australia. (Time expired)