VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, has informed the Federal Government that the recent Skills Council decision must be reversed if the Industry’s best interests are to be served.

VACC has told the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, that she has made the wrong decision in handing vocational education and training for the Australian Automotive Industry, to Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA).

“VACC has ensured the Deputy Prime Minister, and Senator Kim Carr, are fully aware of our position. They have been told, in no uncertain terms, that we will not be participating in MSA,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“This decision does not have the support of any of the key stakeholders. The car manufacturers, component parts suppliers, the automotive retailers and the union, all believe this decision to be incorrect.

“The only organisation that does support it is the Australian Industry Group, which stands to benefit. This decision has the appearance of a deal and that someone has been blowing in the Minister’s ear.

“VACC considers training to be of the upmost importance. As the largest automotive apprentice employer in Victoria and as one of the State’s leading skills training facilitators, we feel passionately about skills training.

“This decision by Julia Gillard’s office has left the Automotive Industry confused. Why would they consider textiles and chemical manufacturers to be aware of skills training needs in the automotive sector?

“How would manufacturers understand the skills required in automotive retailing? There is no point in making cars if you do not have a skilled aftermarket workforce to sell them, service them and repair them.

“Nobody understands the training needs of the Australian Automotive Industry better than the Automotive Industry itself and that is why the Government must reverse this decision and leave training in the hands of those who know the Automotive Industry the best. 

“The Automotive Industry needs the ability to determine its own training arrangements and that has effectively been taken away from us,” Mr Purchase said.