CAR workers have had a victory after the State Government was forced into an embarrassing backflip over a plan to buy imported cars.
Energy Safe Victoria had bought 40 Japanese-made Toyota RAV4s for its inspectors who travel around the state.
But the Australian Workers Union slammed the move, saying it was a slap in the face to car industry workers after jobs were slashed at Toyota, Ford and Holden last year.
Energy Safe, a watchdog that monitors the state’s electricity and gas supply, cancelled the order after the Herald Sun revealed the plan earlier this week.
A copy of an email to all staff from Energy Safe chief Paul Fearon confirmed the turnaround.
“Some of you will have seen the attached article that appeared in an early edition of the Sun newspaper today,” he wrote.
“I can confirm that following discussions with Government last night, ESV has cancelled the order for the RAV4s.”
“While standing by ESV’s original decision, I acknowledge and respect Government’s authority and role to guide authorities in their decisions to take into account wider social and economic issues.
“On that basis I agreed to cancel the order and will now only order vehicles made in Australia (Hilux excluded).”
But the email goes on to detail Mr Fearon’s reasons for wanting to buy the Toyota RAV4s, despite it being about the same price as a Broadmeadows-built Ford Territory.
Toyota sacked 350 workers last year, while Ford slashed 330 jobs and there are fears its Australian factories will close in 2016.
Holden sacked 370 people last year and has reduced production at its South Australian plant because of a downturn in Commodore sales before the new model is released mid-year.
AWU state secretary Cesar Melhem said he was pleased with the backflip.
“I congratulate the Government on reversing the decision – keep it up,” he said.
“The best thing they can do for the industry is give them orders, not handouts.”
Mr Melhem said the Ford Territory would be an adequate replacement for the RAV4s and the diesel model would be just as fuel-efficient.
The high Australian dollar has made imported models cheaper, squeezing the local car industry’s margins and reducing sales.
State Government spokesman Paul Price said: “The government will confirm with all State Government statutory authorities that Australian made vehicles must be purchased unless it can be demonstrated that imported vehicles are required for specialist use."
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