[spookypt]

I remember when I was involved in writing and detailing specifications on Qld and Federal Government projects back in the early 90's where we had to satisfy and quantify what percentage of the products submitted on tenders where Oz made/resourced. As a part of the selection process this was factored in as a % as to who should be awarded the job.

In the end, the tendering process gave weight to Oz made. By about 1995 this was removed from the selection process due to the establishment of FTA with China and the USA amongst others.

In the 90's I had the option of sourcing products from Australian manufacturers (nationally) to satisfy these tenders. At a guess back then I had about 20+ factories to choose from.......Now from that list there are 3 remaining.

The market is flooded with Chinese products and although untested for formaldehyde content, its selling here in Oz to Government departments faster than it can be supplied.

I have also been involved with the writing and submitting to State and Federal Government Standing offer arrangements. Currently there is one hich has now been running for 3 years and is still yet to be properly implemented. Many government departments simply don't know how to use it... So they buy there stuff from China.

It's faulty towers on steroids. The biggest laugh is how Govt (both sides) purports to supporting Australian Manufacturing... They don't and haven't for 20 years plus! I don't mean subsidise, I mean support.

As far as Ford goes.. well... it started with the thin walled XD door frames that cracked at the hinges, the outsourced electronic auto boxes that failed and the woeful service to correct warranty issues which I'm sure has all played a part.

I say.....and I'll get flamed here..... increase the GST to 15% and lower the income tax thresholds. You pay tax on what you consume BUT you also save tax on your earnings and are not penalised for working harder.

Cant be a bad idea. NZ has done just that and is booming along with a very nice balance sheet indeed. They don't have compulsory super nor as higher earnings in general but they have turned the country around in 4 years. And the welfare cheaters who found it tuff just flew over here and took advantage of what we offer anyway.

Just my opinion but twas worth the rant.

Spookypt