Industry Policy

The Howard governments hands off approach to industry and industry policy has little support amongst working Australians. Jobs and industries need active support from the government.

Proactive policies that promote a cooperative approach are needed to succeed in a modern cooperative global environment. Special focus should also be given to policies that support manufacturing and the regions that have been hit hard by the current government’s hands-off approach.

More Information

• ACTU News: Howard Sends R&D Spending Down 15%, - new figures revealing a further 3% collapse in business research and development since the Howard Government came to office threatened Australia's long-term jobs growth. (12 July 2001)
• ACTU Policies: 1995 Congress - Trade And Industry Development Strategy - this policy puts forward concrete proposals to arrest the continuing long term deterioration in the manufacturing trade balance (exports-imports), which is by far and away the most significant factor explaining Australia's balance of payments problem
• ACTU Background Paper: ACTU Submission to Productivity Commission Review of Automotive Assistance - Australia’s car industry has a strong future if the commitment to and momentum for change that has accumulated over the past decade can be sustained and built upon.
• ACTU News: ACTU's Ten Point Plan For The Survival Of The Steel Industry - this ten-point plan tackles the current crisis in the global steel industry, which is threatening thousands of Australian jobs in steel, other parts of manufacturing and a range of service industries. (19 March 2002)