DEFENCE Minister David Johnston's intemperate statement that the Australian Submarine Corporation "couldn't build a canoe" was insulting to its employees. It also demeaned the reputation of our manufacturing industry.
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It seems he has made up his mind about the purchase of our submarine fleet, likely be sourced from an overseas builder at the expense of Australian jobs.
This is a similar taunt to that of the soon-to-disappear motor industry, in which the Treasurer refused to extend funding and virtually dared General Motors to depart. Soon afterwards, GM announced closure of its operations, followed by Ford and Toyota.
It is clear that a government which is hostile to our manufacturing industry will be more likely to move operations elsewhere.
The full impact of these closures is yet to be felt, but it could be 50,000 jobs overall.
Not supporting and talking down the manufacturing industry is short-term thinking driven by narrow idealism.
This, rather than the wider picture of skills retention, workforce development and the benefits of employment versus loss of skills adds to the welfare bill instead of creating jobs.
Free trade agreements will not make up for this.