Holden to seek more financial help from state, federal governments HOLDEN is expected to seek more help from the state and federal governments as it weighs up its future in Adelaide, but only after it has ended negotiations with workers over slashing its wages bill. Political debate about the carmaker moved up a gear today when SA Opposition Leader Steven Marshall declared he was "fully supportive" of federal Coalition plans to cut $500 million in automotive sector subsidies. It comes as Holden prepares for a September board meeting in Detroit that is expected to decide the long-term future of the automaker's Elizabeth plant. Holden has said uncertainty about government policy is a threat to its commercial viability. Mr Marshall insisted he supported the car sector but there was "no way we can simply continue to afford to subsidise an industry which is ... completely uncompetitive." The federal Coalition plans to pull $500 million from a $1.5 billion car support fund between now and 2015. More: Merge Australia's three carmarkers, says Clive Palmer Mr Marshall said: "I'm fully supportive of their position because I don't think it's about the dollar figure, I think it's about the type of support. What we need is a bipartisan auto industry taskforce ... to guide the long-term sustainability of one of our most crucial manufacturing industries. A senior Holden executive told The Advertiser that suggestions it would apply for $60 million in addition to funding already committed were "well wide of the mark." However, it is believed Holden will ask for additional government assistance, which could come in the form of other concessions rather than taxpayer cash. Any request for extra support hinges on negotiations over new wage rates and conditions for factory workers, to be decided in early August. Only once Holden knows what cost savings, if any, can be found in its labour costs will it then approach governments for further assistance. SA Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Minister Tom Kenyon said he believed Holden was seeking more money from the Federal Government. "I think that's right, but we haven't gone down into numbers or anything," he said. Mr Kenyon said he expected any deal struck between Holden and the State Government, which is offering $50 million, would likely include minimum employment targets. Holden is due to receive the first instalment of federal funds - $36 million - for its next-generation cars in the 2013-14 financial year before ramping up to $50 million and $112 million in the following financial years. In return for these taxpayer funds Holden must invest at least $3 for every $1 from the public purse. Holden will make a decision on the future of its manufacturing operations after a meeting with senior General Motors executives in the second week of September.