SA: Unions to campaign for tariff freeze

AAP General News (Australia)
04-26-2001
SA: Unions to campaign for tariff freeze

Unions are vowing to wage a public campaign for a tariff freeze in the car industry
to help ensure the survival of local producer Mitsubishi.

The move comes as the South Australian government says it'll continue to work with
the company to retain the vehicle assembly and engine production plants in Adelaide.

It also follows a decision by Federal Industry Minister NICK MINCHIN to hold talks
with senior Mitsubishi executives in Tokyo next month.

Senator MINCHIN will discuss what measures or assistance Mitsubishi might need to guarantee
its future as a local producer.

But he's also indicated freezing tariffs at present levels, something called for by
the company, unions and the South Australian opposition, isn't on the agenda.

Under present arrangements tariffs on imported vehicles are set at 15 per cent but
are due to fall to 10 per cent in 2005.

The government says it'll review the situation then but unions want a review now with
a view to freezing tariffs at 15 per cent until 2010.

AAP RTV tjd/klw/hn

KEYWORD: MOTOR MITSUBISHI (ADELAIDE)

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