FED:Car subsidies are modest, says Gillard

AAP General News (Australia)
01-17-2012
FED:Car subsidies are modest, says Gillard

By Paul Osborne

CANBERRA, Jan 17 AAP - Taxpayers are making only a modest investment to keep the car
industry afloat but manufacturing jobs are at risk under the coalition, Prime Minister
Julia Gillard says.

The coalition is reviewing its industry policy, with senior members including treasury
spokesman Joe Hockey in favour of slashing subsidies by at least $500 million to balance
the budget.

Other coalition figures such as Senator Simon Birmingham say Australia should lead
global trade talks to end distorting subsidies, estimated at …