The Abbott Government's reluctance to step up to the challenge and save jobs and industries is a smokescreen for cuts to wages and conditions, said ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver.
"In a blatant attempt to spread misinformation the Abbott Government seeks to blame hardworking Australians instead of attributing blame where it belongs: cheap imports and a high dollar," he said.
"We have already seen the Abbott Government allow the loss of tens of thousands of jobs, going so far as to goad Holden to leave. Unfortunately they are demonstrating a costly pattern of turning their backs on workers."
"Now they are happy to send a clear message to SPC that they will not support industries, communities or workers."
"This will have a devastating impact on Shepparton and on the fruit processing industry; an unacceptable failure of foresight and wisdom from the Abbott Government."
"Instead of stepping in to secure people's jobs, they are using struggling industries to drive down people's wages and conditions. I fear the legacy of the Abbott Government will be a graveyard of industries and a workforce whose pay and conditions have been slashed to please employers."
Mr Oliver questioned what the Government's criteria for providing industry support actually is.
"They've got no problem giving up to $4 billion in subsidies to the highly profitable mining sector yet they've failed to support thousands of jobs at Holden, SPC and Toyota could be next in line.
"And it should be noted that Mr Abbott was more than happy to hand over $16 million to foreign owned Cadbury in the marginal Tasmanian seat of Denison prior to the election but has now changed his tune.
Media Contact: Eleni Hale: 0418 793 885