Beyond the Protective State

Since the 1980s, Australia has undergone a quiet revolution in its national policy for the manufacturing industry. Protectionism, the basis of policy for over a century and a strong tenet of Australian political culture, has been abolished and alternative policies phased in. This book is an historical and theoretical account of this transition from protectionism. It gives a comprehensive analysis of the corrective policies of the Hawke government and presents case studies of three troubled manufacturing sectors: steel; textiles, clothing and footwear; and the motor industry.