Toyota Australia has this afternoon announced the closure date for its Altona automotive manufacturing plant, set down for 3 October.
Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan said the pending closure will be difficult for workers – many who’ve spent their entire working lives building vehicles for Australian roads.
Our thoughts are with them, their families and the many others in Toyota’s supply chain who will also be affected by the closure.
Toyota announced in 2014 that they would cease manufacturing.
The Andrews Labor Government is pleased that Toyota will retain its Australian headquarters in Melbourne.
Labor governments have always supported automotive manufacturing in Victoria, and we are doing all we can to help workers, businesses, and communities through this difficult period.
We will continue to work with automotive supply chain workers, businesses, and communities to ensure they have access to the support and assistance they need as Victoria’s car industry changes.
The Labor Government support package includes $46.5 million of targeted assistance including programs and training for workers and supply chain businesses.
We call on the Turnbull Government to provide targeted assistance to support these workers and join us in growing employment and business opportunities in Melbourne’s west, where Toyota is based, and the south east where supply chain will be most affected.
The automotive industry continues to grow across a range of sectors including design and engineering, parts and accessories, aftermarket, and retail, service and repair.
For more information on assistance available visit economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/auto
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
"The automotive industry is changing, and today is yet another reminder of that with the announcement of a closure date for Toyota’s Altona operations."
"We stand ready to assist our workers as they transition from manufacturing plants across Victoria to ensure they have every opportunity to stay in a job."
Quotes attributable to Member for Altona Jill Hennessy
"My thoughts go out to the thousands of workers and families affected by today’s announcement from Toyota."
"These workers should take comfort in the fact we have targeted assistance available when they need it."
Reviewed 19 August 2020