THE federal government faced an “awfully difficult decision” in rejecting a plea to help SPC Ardmona, but it was up to the cannery’s parent company to save the business, the member for Farrer said.
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Sussan Ley said her Coalition colleagues in cabinet had a tough call to make, but had acted appropriately.
“I support the cabinet decision, but I stand by every single farmer and employee at SPC Ardmona in Shepparton,” she said yesterday.
“It’s very difficult for public dollars to bail out private debt.
“I think it was appropriate for that line to be drawn in the sand.”
However, Ms Ley said it did not mean the end of the company.
“It does not mean that the cannery will close,” she said.
“Coca-Cola Amatil has indicated that it wants to work with SPC and are renegotiating an enterprise bargaining agreement.”
Ms Ley said it was important renegotiations happened as there were aspects that added to the company’s unprofitability.
“Coca-Cola Amatil have said they’ve got $161 million to invest,” she said.
“This is fundamentally a profitable business.
“It doesn’t need on-going subsidies.
