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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-10-27 Daily Xml
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BRIDGESTONE AUSTRALIA

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (15:02): Has the Premier met with Bridgestone at any time since January this year on behalf of his constituents to discuss their possible job losses? In an article in today's media it is stated that, back in January this year, Bridgestone refused to commit to the future of its Adelaide plant, and further that Bridgestone has been receiving financial assistance from the federal government's Automotive Competitiveness Investment Scheme since 2001, as well as state grants from as early as 1986.

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (15:03): The key point is that, as I understand it, no-one in the industry—the workers, the unions, other major industries or customers—were aware of a decision which I believe was made in Japan and which I believe was withheld from us in advance. I think I have made that very clear. I first found out about the announcement around 1 o'clock on Friday. On Friday afternoon I met with the heads of government departments to offer what assistance we could give to help place these workers in jobs beyond April 2010, which is what people would expect a premier and a South Australian government to do. I am more interested in the workers. It has had a very loyal workforce.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Point of order, Mr Speaker. The question from the Leader of the Opposition referred to January this year when reports were circulating about the difficulties at Bridgestone and whether the Premier met with them.

The SPEAKER: The Premier is answering the substance of the question.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: The fact is that when we were told—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: —of the decision to close Bridgestone, which was on Friday at lunchtime, we immediately went into action to help those workers because they are the people we care about, unlike you.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

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