Really?
As leader of the opposition the Monk set a very high standard for all Governments to follow. No one would have to wonder too hard what he would of said about the Government of the day if he was still in opposition with regards to Holden no longer manufacturing in Australia. If he was honest with his many past criticisms about the then Government of the day and we all know he is only out for political points scoring and has very little to no substance with regards to so many issues. Well may be the rusted on Library supporter here may not know that he was actually doing, but the rest of us do.
Of course the car industry is in such a mess because of a number of factors that outside of the Government of the day control. As in the end its all about producing vehicles at the lowest possible price for all car makers. The loss of tariffs over the years has meant that local manufactories who pay reasonable employee benefits are competing against overseas companies that don't. No rocket science here to determine where all manufacturing will move to in the end.
The only options that any Government has is to reintroduce protection to the car industry. Although this will have a negative impact on the Australian economy as its trading partners will likely do the same. Another approach would be to provide heavy subsidies to the car industry, but that opens the issue of why the government is supporting one industry over another. So the real question must be asked if the Car Industry is not sustainable, why should it be supported at all? Would it be better to spend money on other industries that Australia could be a world leader in and actual make real money from?
I agree there should not be political points scoring on this issue but Australian has such low quality politicians in both sides of politics it will always happen.
Main reason I used this issue is to demonstrate the Monks hypocrisy.
DC I was going to respond to your negative comment but simple could not be bothered. If that comment made you feel good at the time so be it.