Workers at Toyota’s Altona manufacturing plant will clock off for the last time today. Toyota is the last passenger vehicle manufacturer to close its doors in Victoria.
According to the Labor government in Victoria, the Turnbull Government’s decision to push vehicle manufacturing offshore by closing local plants has affected Victorian jobs adversely.
According to the press release by the Labor government, it said that it has always supported automotive manufacturing in Victoria and are helping workers, businesses, and communities transition through this period.
The date, the Victorian 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.