ABC reported that it's hoped the establishment of an anti-dumping commission will save the Australian manufacturing industry local jobs and millions of dollars
The federal Government has announced they will set up an anti dumping commission to crack down on foreign companies who import products into Australia below the cost of manufacture.
It's a move that has widely been welcomed by steel manufacturers Bluescope and OneSteel, as well as the Australian Workers Union.
National secretary of the AWU, Mr Paul Howes said that the establishment of the new trade authority will save thousands of jobs. He said "Finally we'll have a tough cop on the beat when it comes to dealing with those who cheat free trade we've seen in recent years a massive increase in the amount of illegal dumping occurring," he said.
Labor Member for Thorsby, Mr Stephen Jones said that this move from the government is essential. "It makes a big difference to local manufacturers. Manufacturers estimate that over the last 12 months, illegal dumping of cut price, below value steel has cost their business around about one hundred million dollars. An oversupply of steel in China is a large factor contributing to the ongoing issue of dumping. That excess supply is looking for a home and we're concerned it will be flooded into the Australian market at below cost and that cuts jobs. It's hoped the commission will better protect local manufacturers and allow for them to take action on dumping as it occurs. We're increasing penalties and we're making it easier for businesses to take anti dumping action."
In the past, government commissions have been criticised for failing to take any real action, following their establishment.
