Working Hard To Help Steer The Automotive Sector

The Andrews Labor Government has reaffirmed its support for the automotive sector at an industry roundtable held in Bundoora today.

The forum featured discussions to identify the capability and suitability of suppliers to the automotive industry to manufacture products for the caravan industry.

Opening the event, Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio told stakeholders that the Labor Government was working hard to assist the sector in transition.

Ms D’Ambrosio said the Government was developing  a new transition strategy for the automotive industry which will provide targeted support for businesses to transition and compete in new markets after vehicle production ends in Australia in 2017.

As part of this initiative, workers will be able to access retraining, education and worker transition programs to help them with the skills, training and information they need to secure new jobs.

To help the sector in transition, the Government is also:

  • providing support for workers in Victoria’s automotive supply chain through the Automotive Supply Chain Training Initiative;
  • supporting businesses that provide new employment for retrenched workers through the Back to Work program;
  • establishing Specialised TAFE Skilled Centres as one-stop-shops for workers, jobseekers and businesses to access the range of Government worker support and skills advice;
  • fast tracking support for local industries poised for extraordinary growth through the $200 million Future Industries Fund; and
  • incentivising emerging businesses to take that next step and get their ideas off the ground with the help of professional mentors with the $60 million Start Up Victoria initiative.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio

“The combined technical and commercial knowledge in the automotive sector is a significant asset to Victoria  and I’m pleased that other manufacturing sectors are looking to apply those skills.”

“The combined technical and commercial knowledge in the automotive supply chain is critical to assisting the caravan industry advance their productivity and professionalism.”

“This roundtable will be a good opportunity for both the automotive and caravan industries to identify ways in which to work together in the future.”

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