Workers at Toyota’s Altona manufacturing plant will clock off for the last time today.
This is a sad time for thousands of Victorians – many of whom have spent most of their working lives building iconic vehicles for Australian roads.
Today our thoughts go out to Toyota’s proud workforce, their families and those in the supply chain who are feeling the impacts of this closure.
Toyota is the last passenger vehicle manufacturer to close its doors in Victoria – this really is the end of an era.
The Turnbull Government’s decision to push vehicle manufacturing offshore by closing local plants has been devastating for Victorian jobs.
At a time when these workers need certainty, the Commonwealth is missing in action.
Labor has always supported automotive manufacturing in Victoria and we are doing all we can to help workers, businesses, and communities transition through this very difficult period.
The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $100 million in targeted assistance for the automotive and manufacturing industries.
Flagship grants programs including the Local Industry Fund for Transition and Future Industries Manufacturing Program have already supported more than 60 businesses and are expected to create more than 1,100 jobs across Victoria.
The Automotive Supply Chain Transition Program has helped 45 businesses identify future opportunities and new markets.
Five dedicated Skills and Jobs Centres in the hardest-hit communities have been established to provide a one-stop shop for auto workers to find their next job opportunity.
Jobs Fairs have also helped connect auto workers with more than 6,000 jobs across the manufacturing, transport, community services, hospitality and retail industries.
The Labor Government’s pipeline of major projects including the West Gate Tunnel and new High Capacity Metro Trains are also creating transition opportunities for former auto workers.
Toyota will retain a workforce of more than 1,000 at its Altona and Port Melbourne sites.
Labor will always stand by our proud automotive sector during this time of transition.
Retrenched workers can access career services and support via our Skills and Jobs Centres on 134 389.
Reviewed 19 August 2020