General Motors must honour its promise to negotiate on compensation with Holden dealers in good faith, amid significant effort from dealers to resolve their ongoing dispute.
Dealers have repeatedly shown they are committed to working with GM Holden to reach an outcome and finalise protracted negotiations stemming from GM's decision to retire the Holden brand in Australia. GM Holden should demonstrate that same commitment.
From day one the Morrison Government has made it clear to GM Holden that we expect them to negotiate in good faith and ensure a fair outcome for the Australian dealers who've carried their brand for decades, as well as their workers.
Just last week Minister Andrews and Minister Cash met with GM Holden to reiterate that unequivocal expectation.
Australian consumers, dealers and the Government have shown great commitment to GM Holden over many years, including more than $2 billion in taxpayer support. It's now time for this multinational to repay some of that faith.
General Motors must demonstrate they're a good corporate citizen. They must also consider their international reputation.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) continues to monitor the negotiations between the parties and is communicating with them.
The ACCC's investigation is ongoing and is examining allegations relating to the good faith obligations of the Franchising Code of Conduct and the unconscionable conduct provisions of the Australian Consumer Law.
The Morrison Government has also followed through on a promise to rebalance the new car retailing market, with Minister Andrews earlier this month introducing significant reforms to auto franchising regulations.
