The Federal Government is being urged not to scrap a manufacturing grants program set up by the previous government.
The grants were set up by the Morrison government in an effort to strengthen our sovereign capability for manufacturing, in areas such as construction, defence and food security.
The Coalition – now in opposition – says Australian companies which were promised funding have now been told their payments are on hold.
Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills and Training, Sussan Ley says jobs are now at risk.
“This indecision is putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk, it’s threatening investment certainty, it’s threatening productivity, and it’s actually jeopardising the Australian Government’s reputation as a stable partner to do business with,” said Ms Ley.
According to The Australian, funding for the manufacturing grants is on hold until Labor completes a “value for money” review.
The opposition is calling for the Albanese government to provide a timeline for its decision-making process.
The Prime Minister has announced a jobs and skills summit will be held in September.
