PM slams coalition motor subsidy stance

Kevin Rudd has accused the coalition of plotting to end car industry subsidies.
Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey's call for a review of car sector handouts has already
been rebuked by other coalition frontbenchers.
But Mr Rudd used his Adelaide appearance to drive home the scare message in a car
manufacturing city.
Mr Hockey's comments were "code language for a future coalition government removing
support for the Australian motor vehicle industry", Mr Rudd told reporters on
Thursday.
The ACTU weighed into the debate, accusing Mr Hockey of causing anxiety and
uncertainty among the nation's one million car and component industry workers.
"Once again, Joe Hockey has shown that he cares little about the jobs of working
Australians," president Sharan Burrow said in a statement.
Opposition frontbencher Ian Macfarlane downplayed Mr Hockey's comments, made on ABC
Radio on Wednesday.
"Having been industry minister for six years and having administered those plans for
most of this decade, you could say, I'd be confident that those industry grants
would remain," the former Howard government minister said.
Industry Minister Kim Carr called on Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to condemn Mr
Hockey's comments.
"Every second that this confusion continues, confidence and investment are being
undermined, jeopardising Australian jobs," Senator Carr said in a statement.
Adelaide is home to Holden's chief car making plant and contains the marginal seat
of Sturt which is currently held by the Liberals.
The four-cylinder Cruze is due to be built at the Elizabeth plant from late 2010,
underpinned by a $149 million taxpayer subsidy.