The Federal Government says it's not in the public interest to disclose the amount of taxpayer money spent keeping local car manufacturers afloat.
GM Holden and Toyota have both confirmed they may need more financial assistance this year, and The Financial Review reports the Government has blocked attempts to find out details about the rescue packages.
Last year Fairfax Media stumbled across the figures after receiving a bungled Freedom of Information request, but a High Court battle blocked publication of the figures.
The Government contends details about the rescue packages would not “contribute in any meaningful way to informing debate on a matter of public importance”.
Yesterday preliminary figures showed sales of Australian-made cars were at record lows in January, despite some local models selling well throughout 2012.