The AMWU has welcomed initiatives in the 2010-11 budget that invest in the manufacturing industry and benefit manufacturing workers, particularly the initiatives on apprenticeships, infrastructure, renewable energy and superannuation.
AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver praised the $661 million Skills for Sustainable Growth strategy which will provide up to 39,000 new training places and support 22,500 new apprentices.
“The first thing employers cut during the downturn was funding for training and apprenticeships, so it’s vital that we reverse the fall in apprentice ratios. This budget delivers on skills and training. It’s a budget that recognises the value of skilled trades and provides better job prospects and conditions for new apprentices.
“The skills related initiatives contained in the Budget are consistent with the need to better target funding to those areas of greatest economic and social need. The Apprentice Kickstart extension and other support for industry will strengthen the apprenticeship system and underpin the employment and retention of skilled trade apprentices.
“We also welcome the moves to put industry back in the drivers’ seat through the establishment of the Smarter Apprenticeships and Critical Skills Investment Fund and the stronger role for National Industry Skills Councils.”
Mr Oliver said the spending on state infrastructure funds, which will generate an estimated $5.6 billion for road and rail infrastructure projects, must be subject to procurement policies that maximise local content and local employment.
The $652 million investment in the Renewable Energy Super Fund will help grow Australian renewable energy manufacturing.
The AMWU reiterates its support for the superannuation and resource industry reforms announced last week.
The resource super profits tax will deliver more investment, employment, and greater productivity in our resource sector as well as ensuring the community gets a fairer share of profits made from our natural resources.
Lifting the superannuation guarantee from 9 to 12 per cent is an important long term reform for all workers.