The announcement from Ford Australia to cease its vehicle and engine manufacturing operations in Australia, from 31 October 2016, was extremely disappointing, Maria Vamvakinou, Member for Calwell, and Kelvin Thomson, Member for Wills, said.
“Kelvin and I have visited the workers at Broadmeadows many times. I know how close they are to each other and how dedicated they are to their work,” Ms Vamvakinou said.
Ms Vamvakinou pointed out that Ford has been recognised as an iconic employer and manufacturer in the electorate. With the factory close down,1200 jobs in Geelong and Broadmeadows will be lost, with an estimated 600 coming from Broadmeadows.
“Not long ago Ford celebrated 50 years of manufacturing in the area,” Ms Vamvakinou said.
“Workers at Broadmeadows and Geelong will now be given 3 years to reskill and the Government will do all that it can to assist with this transition. To support the local economies affected, the Government will contribute $30 million towards a structural adjustment fund, and to support Ford suppliers, we will provide an additional $10 million for the Automotive New Markets Program,” said Ms Vamvakinou.
“The existing Automotive Industry Structural Adjustment package will provide automatic access to Ford workers made redundant as a result of this announcement to the highest level of job services support,” she said.
Despite disappointing news, Kelvin Thomson welcomed the commitment from the Labour Government to help the workforce and the community through the difficult period.
Mr Thomson said the Automotive New Markets Program will support businesses and workers in the automotive supply chain.