[Greens-Media] Call for Premier to back union manufacturing plan to boost Hunter jobs

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
21 May 2010


Call for Premier to back union manufacturing plan to boost Hunter jobs


Greens MP and Hunter spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on Premier Kristina Keneally to stand-up to Treasurer Eric Roozendaal and ensure that his plan to send rail and bus-building contracts to China is dropped in favour of boosting NSW's manufacturing capability. 

"The AMWU's report Build Them Here should be adopted by the government as it provides a plan to boost jobs and the local economy," Ms Rhiannon said. 

"Treasurer Roozendaal is not working in the interests of NSW with his push for transport manufacturing contracts to go to China.

"This is a crude attempt by the Treasurer to make his budget look better by using cheaper overseas labour. 
 
"Mr Roozendaal and his department need to work with the manufacturing union on retaining and growing skilled jobs in the Hunter and other regional areas.

"The issue of sending NSW jobs overseas will be a test for the Premier. She should overrule Mr Roozendaal on his irresponsible plan that mirrors former treasurer Michael Costa's favoured option of buying trains direct from China. 

"The Treasurer's plan would be a blow to the Hunter, a traditional manufacturing area.

"A report from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union estimates that if the government pushes ahead with its China-made plan for NSW trains and buses 2,550 direct and indirect jobs will be lost.

"Today the Premier should advise Mr Roozendaal to get a copy of the AMWU's Build Them Here report that proposes a $4 billion plan that would create thousands of jobs over the next decade in manufacturing ferries, rail cars and buses in NSW," said Ms Rhiannon.
   

For information:  Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568