An opposition Member of Parliament has alleged that taxpayer's money is planned to be used to provide grants to industries in the textile, clothing and footwear sector that design in Australia, but have the product manufactured in overseas markets.
The reference seems obviously to Pacific Brands which had announced last year to relocate its manufacturing facilities to overseas locations in China and pocketed Au $20 million (US $17.99 million) in public money.
Sophie Mirabella who is a Shadow Minister has hinted that that the opposition will seek suitable amendments in Section 37ZM of the bill, which permits the government to provide grants to firms that set up overseas production facilities.