LOST JOBS A BITTER BLOW TO WANGARATTA
02-December-2011
News that 49 jobs will be lost at Australian Country Spinners in Wangaratta is a bitter blow to the local community and a reminder of the crisis facing Australia’s manufacturing industry, said Sophie Mirabella MP, Federal Member for Indi and Shadow Minister for Industry.
Mrs Mirabella said she was saddened and disappointed by the news, particularly as it comes just before Christmas.
“There is never a good time for an announcement like this and I’m sure management took no joy in telling the workers.
“But this is a stark reminder of the dire situation that the manufacturing sector faces and we are certainly not immune here in Wangaratta.
The news comes in the same week that Australian manufacturing recorded yet another month of decline, while Labor indulges in yet another review and defers any policy decisions for a least a further six months.
“For four years, Labor has turned its back on genuine policy reform and real action, and instead opted to introduce a veritable succession of reviews, discussions, dialogue, consultations, a summit, forums, statements, councils, partnerships, advocates, ambassadors and envoys.
“This is not the way to fix problems that need to be immediately overcome,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.