NOW that the federal government has decided to invest $100 million in the Australian car manufacturing industry it chased out of town about a minute ago, I think it's time it went a bit more radical.
Just to put all this into perspective, in December the US government ended its $US100 billion ($131bn) bailout of its car industry it began in 2009. In 2008 vehicle sales had dropped 40 per cent and two of the big three companies were near collapse.
State governments encourage young people to buy new homes. For instance, in NSW you can get $15,000 towards the purchase of your new castle. So let's introduce a first-car buyers' scheme. Yes, citizens, your local premier gives the kiddies, say, $5000 towards the cost of a new car.