Statement On Holden

Today’s closure of GM Holden’s engine plant in Port Melbourne will be a sad and difficult day for 175 workers, many with long and proud careers working at the plant.

Workers have always been at the core of Holden’s Port Melbourne operations, best known for producing the V6 Holden Commodore engine and home of the first-all Australian motor vehicle, the Holden 48-215 ‘FX’.

This is a generation of men and women who have gone to work putting Australian cars on Australian roads, and our thoughts are with them and their families.

The Andrews Labor Government is providing $46.5 million in targeted assistance, including programs and training for the auto workers, businesses and local communities hardest hit.

The automotive industry also continues to grow across a range of sectors including design and engineering, parts and accessories, aftermarket, and retail, service and repair.

The engine parts at the plant are sourced from the General Motors’ global supply chain and, as a result, Victoria's automotive supply chain will not be significantly affected.

In September, the Government purchased the GM Holden site to pave the way for plans to develop a leading design and engineering precinct to bring together industry leaders in aerospace, defence, marine design, automotive design and more.

Beyond 2017, Holden will retain is corporate headquarters and its advanced international design studios and engineering facilities at Fishermans Bend in Port Melbourne, its national parts and distribution centre in Dandenong and a vehicle testing ground at Lang Lang.

All retrenched workers can access career services and support via our Skills and Jobs Centres on 134 389.