Federal Minister in Adelaide for Holden plant tour
Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane and South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill are touring the Holden plant in Adelaide as part of talks to secure the future of the embattled car maker.
They have begun negotiations with Holden boss Mike Devereux to thrash out a deal on support for the company to ensure it continues to build vehicles in Adelaide after 2016.
The trio has been joined on the tour by colleagues from both sides of state parliament.
The premier, Mr Macfarlane and Mr Devereux are scheduled to front the media following the factory tour although no breakthrough is expected to be announced.
Before the recent federal election the coalition stood firm on a plan to cut $500 million of automotive industry assistance.
Since the poll, Mr Macfarlane has been more supportive of Holden, suggesting he was willing to see what the new government could do.
But extra government help is likely to be linked to Holden increasing its export sales.
Last month Mr Macfarlane said organising the tour of the factory was his first task after being sworn in as industry minister.
"If money's required - well as I say, my pockets are a bit empty at the moment - I want to see where it's gone first,” he said at the time.
Premier Jay Weatherill has previously predicted Holden will close in 2016 if the Federal Government could not agree on a funding package for the car giant.
