TREASURER
PARLIAMENT HOUSE,.
CANBERRA 2600
16 Dscmwt. Af
PRESS STATEMENT
By the Acting Prime Minister, Dr J. F. Cairns
C The Acting Prime Minister, Dr Cairns, this morning conferred
with the Minister for. Manufacturing Industry, Mr Enderby, on
the proposed sackings of G. M. H. workers.
Dr Cairns said later that Mr Enderby was arranging discussions
with the President of the Mr Hawke, trade
unions, and the management of G. M. H.
Dr Cairns said he had received a telegram from G. M. H. managing
director, Mr D. Martin, indicating that G. M. H. was available
for discussions on industry problems at Dr Cairns convenience.
No time has yet been set for the conference.
Dr Cairns indicated in a press statement yesterday that he
wanted a conference with the A. C. T. U. the vehicle industry
unions, and all sections of the industry and G. M. H.
Today, he described as nonsense statements. by Opposition spokesman
that G. M. H. problems were the result of Australian Government
policies. " The troub] les of the motor industry are world-wide,"
Dr Cairns said. " They are much greater in the United States, and ii
Germany and Japan."
" The present Australian Government has had far closer contact with
the motor industry, and has done more to understand its problems
and find solutions to them than any other Government in history".. 1~ z
-2-
aaiKG. nNoHw. led-ed t-his ivhen we produced a National Plan
f or the indu str y several weeks ago
" In fact, they took to thI-e media to advertise their a., cceptance
of the Pl an."
" At nio time during thIe extensive discussions we. had with. them
did they mentionL retrenchiierts of the order they are no-,'
f ore shadowing."
" I hope that whnen the Government talks to G. M. H. that tha
company will be more co-operative than it has been in the past
feTw days."
Gonrb~ r r a
Decembar 18, 1974
7)