Joint statement with the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology the Hon Karen Andrews MP

The Morrison Government will continue to apply pressure to General Motors, amid their ongoing negotiations with dealers affected by their decision to retire the Holden brand in Australia.

Our Government told GM Holden on the day they sprung this announcement on the nation, that they must negotiate in good faith and ensure a fair outcome for the Australian dealers who’ve carried their brand for decades.

GM Holden has gained significant benefit from Australian consumers, dealers and the Government over many years.

GM Holden must now do the right thing by their Australian dealers who have carried their brand, many of them for decades and ensure a fair outcome for Australian dealers.

After receiving more than $2 billion in taxpayer funds, it is high time GM Holden repays some of the generosity Australians have shown the multinational over many years.

The Government is concerned to hear reports that mediation between GM Holden and the Dealer’s Council has again stalled.

It is the Government’s clear expectation that GM Holden continues to negotiate in good faith.

The Government notes that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Australia’s independent national consumer law champion, continues to monitor the mediations 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.

Media contacts:

Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070

Minister Cash’s office 02 6277 7610