Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader for Science) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Bernardi's motion relies on two false assumptions—firstly, that there is no longer an automotive manufacturing industry in Australia and, secondly, that the luxury car tax is a protectionist measure. Unfortunately, Senator Bernardi has not been paying attention. There are still tens of thousands of Australians employed in the automotive industry. While this number will reduce, it does not mean that the industry is, in itself, coming to an end. Moreover, many more component manufacturers than expected have made the transition to global supply chains. More importantly, the former motor vehicle OEMs and component makers are continuing research and development activities in Australia. They are maintaining proving grounds and design and engineering centres here.

Just today I met with Bosch Australia. Their recent investment in automotive R&D means they will employ an additional 30 people in their vehicle safety engineering team. This is not a measure that requires the public to support the discretionary funding— (Time expired)