The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victorian automotive businesses, workers and communities transition to new opportunities and secure jobs, with the first meeting of the Victorian Automotive Transition Taskforce today.
The taskforce includes representatives from Ford, Holden Toyota, unions and industry groups.
Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio chaired the meeting and was joined by Minister for Employment Jacinta Allan and Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert, who are also members of the taskforce.
They were joined by local MPs who will chair local automotive transition taskforces that will provide advice on emerging issues affecting communities that are heavily impacted by the closure of the car manufacturers – particularly Melbourne’s North, West, South-East and Geelong.
The taskforce will help oversee the implementation of Victoria’s Automotive Transition Plan – the Labor Government’s $46.5 million package – which includes:
- $5 million Automotive Supply Chain Transition Program to help businesses identify and capture new opportunities in other markets
- $33 million Local Industry Fund for Transition to support communities hit hard by the departure of Ford, Holden and Toyota
- $8.4 million to strengthen skills, training and job search support in Melbourne’s South-East
- Up to $7,000 incentive payments for businesses employing retrenched auto workers
New Skills and Jobs Centres are also being established across the TAFE network, providing one-stop-shops to assist workers – including those in the auto industry – to access training and job support services.
Quote attributable to Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio
“We are supporting businesses, workers, and affected communities to transition into new opportunities and jobs as major car manufacturing winds‑down.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Employment Jacinta Allan
“As our economy changes, we cannot leave these workers and their families behind. We need to help them adapt and find new jobs, which is what this taskforce is all about.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“Quality training to get the right skills is an integral part of workforce opportunities and our investment in TAFEs will help achieve that."
Reviewed 19 August 2020