There's some interesting comment here, and I realise that our community at mysandman.com gains much strength through being non-partisan. Even during the recent mammoth Federal election, I saw no party biased political comment on this site, and I reflected during that time how well done that was of all members.
It seems to me however, Australia is potentially entering a phase of dividedness framed by the idea of economic rationality against the accepted status quo, and the unexplained benefits of a future globalised economic exsistance. It would of course, be silly to get sucked in to that.
Reading through the thread, great points are made, but in my opinion, the truth is that if we had kept tariffs in, we would still have a car industry. If the government, right now, set car import tariffs at 25 percent on all vehicles that were not 50 percent manufactured in Australia, these companies would reverse their positions fairly swiftly. The business case would be different, it would end the "perfect storm" for instance. Even Ford would go 'ouch"!
It's still possible - just (I am not going to reveal my politics on this, atm, but really I don't need to, - it is fairly evident that the agenda of the federal government is to reduce wages in some award protected areas, whats the best way to break the MFSU? - Get rid of manufacturing.) Oh damn, I just did.
I also note that the big move to end tariffs in the auto industry came under the ALP - so I also acknowledge that. But what are they for? To open the country up PJK said, but yeah ok... um maybe time to stop that for a bit... I have to ask myself what the disaster will be if we simply decide to protect our manufacturing industry, and what the benefit is if we dont?
BTW. I note the facebook site doesn't seem to be accessible easily, I'll try that again, please excuse my delay.
I have currently been really busy trying to inform those from the non-engineering parts of our society why engineering and manufacturing both cooks their toast nicely and doesn't electrocute them at the same time.
The resistance from economic rationalists (friends, acquaintances, or otherwise) to date, is refreshingly, although perhaps also endearingly startling. (LOL!!)
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