- Published:
- Friday 15 May 2015
Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio, today joined Victoria’s three major automotive manufacturers and local auto parts companies in Broadmeadows and Geelong to discuss the successful transition of the local industry.
Approximately 15 companies were invited to the Roundtable to discuss how companies are preparing to transition, and to hear from the Government about how it will assist auto workers and businesses. It followed a similar Roundtable held in Dandenong earlier this month.
The Andrews Labor Government is working with the whole automotive sector to ensure the transition process is targeted and effective and that auto workers have the skills, training and information to secure new jobs.
Despite recent challenges, Victoria’s automotive industry leads in design, engineering and manufacturing excellence, coupled with first-class R&D capabilities and a significant capacity to diversify and transfer into future industries.
To support local economies grappling with the wind down of manufacturing activities and to assist with the transition, the Labor Government has committed an additional $18 million to support the Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund (MNIIF) and the Geelong Regional Innovation and Investment Fund (GRIIF).
The Labor Government is helping auto workers with initiatives including the Business in Transition Support Program, Workforce Development Centres in Geelong, Broadmeadows and Dandenong and Careers and Transition Advice Services.
Access to the Victorian Training Guarantee has also been expanded, allowing auto workers to re-skill at any level.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio
"We’re working to ensure automotive companies successfully transition to other manufacturing opportunities, drawing on the industry’s advanced manufacturing, design and engineering skills.”
“Hearing from automotive companies and workers has been invaluable and will form part of our work to assist the auto industry to innovate and adapt.”