Poor old manufacturing. What did it ever do to Tony Abbott? From The Australian:
CABINET ministers have hit back at another plea for industry assistance, amid fears of setting a “dangerous precedent” if they give in to demands from food processor SPC Ardmona to help cover its rising costs.
The government is close to rejecting the company’s call for aid out of frustration that it needs taxpayer cash to generate a 14 per cent rate of return, sparking concerns that there would be no end to the list of companies wanting the same help.
Ministers believe the food company bears the blame for its cost pressures, amid suggestions it is paying $120,000 or more to dozens of workers.
As Tony Abbott hardens his stance against subsidies, the government is putting the onus on SPC and its parent, Coca-Cola Amatil, to make a stronger case for help after cabinet saw no need for urgent action this week.
The new flashpoint on industry assistance comes as the government unveils $100 million to help create jobs for manufacturing workers, including those who will leave General-Motors Holden as it shuts it Australian factories.
I’d be all for this were it not for the Government’s subsidy of:
- mining via diesel discounts and the repeal of the MRRT
- all business via the repeal of the carbon price
- the salary packaging industry via the repeal of toughened FBT treatments for cars (but not for making cars?!)
- pampered old bastards via the repeal of low income superannuation rebates
- property speculators via negative gearing
- farmers via Graincorp protections
- Tasmanian chocolatiers ’cause their product is sweet!
These are all rent-seekers that the Government has favoured in the past 100 days.
Stop picking losers, Tony, fix Australian competitiveness and market structures and let the cards fall where they may.
