The AMWU has emphasised the importance of creating manufacturing jobs in hi-technology, climate friendly industries at a Senate Inquiry into Climate Change.

Appearing before the Senate committee in Melbourne this week, AMWU National Secretary Dave Oliver cited polls of AMWU members which showed workers supported the government’s response to climate change, as long as it leads to job creation.

“We view climate change as a challenge with both difficulties and opportunities,” said Mr Oliver.

“If the Australian Government and Australian Industry embrace this as an opportunity to play our part, then Australians will benefit from the jobs and the technology that we develop.

“If our national policy settings focus on resisting change, we will allow other nations to get a headstart on us that we may never recover from.

Mr Oliver cited a report commissioned by the UK government which showed that the global market for the three major sectors relating to climate change was worth $AUD 6 trillion Australian dollars last year alone.

“Around 81,000 people are employed in these industries. Around one third of the firms active in these industries globally are in manufacturing.

“Just in the UK the expectation is that these industries will generate more than 50 000 additional jobs each year over the next decade.

“The race is on for where the jobs will be created and where the investment will occur in these green industries.

Mr Oliver said that the approach of the Rudd Government, with initiatives such as the Green car program, had been forward looking, while industry had dragged its feet.

ACTU President, Sharan Burrow, who also appeared at the hearing, said that the government should be open to talk to companies with legitimate concerns regarding the impact of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, but so far business had only been seeking compensation without obligations.