22 August 1995
AUTOMOTIVE TASK FORCE
To be chaired jointly by Senators McMullan and Cook, the Task Force will include representatives from the automotive manufacturers and components industries and the union movement.
The Ministers said the Task Force will work to ensure that the market opening provided for by Japan under the US-Japan Auto Agreement benefits Australian industry.
"Exports are crucial to Australia's automotive industry, and Australia has a very direct commercial stake in the automotive parts market in Japan," the Ministers said.
"And market opening measures implemented on a non-discriminatory basis will provide significant export opportunities for Australia's automotive industry."
The Ministers said recent figures show clearly the importance of our automotive industry. For example:
The automotive industry is the largest manufacturing industry in Australia, employing more than 47,000 people.
Automotive exports are now Australia's fifth largest manufacturing export.
Japan is Australia's third largest market for automotive parts, with export sales of around $206 million.
Automotive exports are now our second largest manufacturing export to the US, valued at around $251 million a year.
The Ministers said Australia welcomed the assurances received at Ministerial level from both the US and Japanese Governments that the agreement opening up the Japanese auto market would be implemented on a Most Favoured Nation (MFN) basis.
"But we cannot afford to sit back and leave it up to Japan and the US to look after Australia's interests," the Ministers said.
"Specifically, the Government is keen to ensure the Agreement does not disadvantage Australian industry and Australian workers through any discriminatory deals.
"We must be actively and directly involved to ensure the Australian industry does not lose out from the Agreement, just as we were when we participated as a third party in the World Trade Organisation consultations earlier this year.
"The Task Force will vigorously pursue the interests of our automotive industry.
"It will closely monitor the Agreement and how it affects Australia's automotive export interests, and provide advice to the Government."
The Ministers said the Task Force will be discussed with Japanese MITI Minister, Mr Hashimoto, when he visits Canberra later this week for the Australia Japan Ministerial Committee. The Ministers will also raise the prospect of Australia and Japan meeting to discuss implementation of the US-Japan Autos Agreement, as it affects Australia.
"The Task Force will build on the close relationship the Government has developed with the Australian automotive industry during the lead up to and conclusion of the US-Japan auto settlement," the Ministers said.
The Task Force is expected to have its first meeting in October.
Further information:
Senator McMullan's office: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420
Senator Cook's office: Russell Faull, (06) 277 7580