Holden inquiry restarts

A delayed Senate inquiry into Holden’s axing by General Motors sits this week to renew preparations.

Prevented by the coronavirus from delivering its report in May as originally scheduled, it will now close submissions on June 25 and report to federal parliament in November.

The standing committee on Education and Employment chaired by West Australian Labor Party Senator Louise Pratt.

Since it axed Holden in February, GM has been lashed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and is about to enter mediation with its 185 dealers to sort out a compensation deal.

According to a report in

It describes its offer to the disaffected national dealer network as "entirely fair and reasonable”.

"The offers were formulated prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic," it said.

"Holden has at all times sought to act in good faith and has had courteous and respectful discussions with dealers throughout this process".

The terms of reference of the inquiry into Holden’s departure include:

a. the impacts of that decision on:
i. Holden employees,
ii. the Holden dealership network (small and medium sized businesses and family enterprises, and their employees),
iii. the Holden research and development facilities, and
iv. owners of Holden vehicles (including service and repair);
b. the role of the Franchise Code and the Government’s proposed dealership amendments to the Franchise Code;
c. Government or other policy settings on manufacturing, research and development, business support and transition, and employee support; and
d. any related matters.