Fed: Call for government to maintain textile industry protection

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2008
Fed: Call for government to maintain textile industry protection

CANBERRA, Aug 7 AAP - Workers in the textile, clothing and footwear industry are calling
for greater federal government support, including the retention of current tariff protection
levels.

The Textile Clothing and Footwear Union (TCFUA) warns the industry will lose more jobs
if tariffs on imported goods are cut.

The Productivity Commission has called for the removal of tariffs.

TCFUA national secretary Michele O'Neil says the industry has suffered under a decade
of neglect from the former Howard government, but remained a vital part of the Australian
economy.

"We call on the Rudd government to reject the Productivity Commission's short-sighted
tariff-slashing approach, and implement a forward-looking industry plan that supports
jobs, innovation, skills and export development," she said.

A strong local manufacturing base could only prosper once exploitative conditions were
acknowledged and addressed, Ms O'Neil said.

"Australian taxpayers expect that government funds delivered to the industry should
go to companies that ensure that their workers are paid properly under fair conditions
and that goods are made according to the best environmental standards."

AAP kms/rl/cjh/cdh

KEYWORD: TARIFFS TCFUA

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