The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union NSW & ACT Branch (AMWU) says the ACT Government should ensure that Australian companies are prioritised in the current procurement process for 90 electric buses.
The 12 electric buses already in service were built by Chinese manufacturer Yutong.
The Union says there has been no word from the ACT Government on prioritising Australian suppliers or manufacturers for the additional 90 buses.
“Government contracts can provide certainty for industry, encouraging investment and job creation. The AMWU is calling on the ACT government to seize all opportunities to prioritise Australian content on its contracts. If buses can’t be made in the ACT, then NSW manufacturers should be looked at,” said AMWU NSW & ACT State Secretary, Cory Wright.
“The AMWU wants all states and territories to get smarter about the procurement of our public transport infrastructure. If we plan out purchases on a national level and coordinate effectively, we could have a thriving transport manufacturing sector.”
The AMWU and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union’s Build Them Here campaign calls on the NSW government to end the offshoring of public transport builds and commit to building trains, buses, ferries and trams locally.
“In NSW, we’ve seen countless issues with offshored public transport builds. Building our trains, buses, ferries, and trams in Australia ensures commuters get a safe, quality product while creating local jobs,” said Mr Wright.
“Following the state election, NSW now has a government that is committed to local transport manufacturing. We are hopeful that the ACT can follow NSW’s lead and commit to local procurement where possible,” he said.
