With up to 50,000 jobs at risk because of the end of Australia’s car industry, a $24.5 million rescue package has still not been freed up.
But sources say the funds – earmarked last May for the Melbourne North Innovation and Investment Fund – may finally see the light of day by the end of this month.
The $24.5 million is part of a $50 million transition package to be shared between Ford workers at Campbellfield and Geelong.
Car bosses and local government representatives met Premier Dennis Napthine last week for talks on the industry’s future.
“Transition to where?” Thomastown car components manufacturer Jim Griffin asked.
Mr Griffin, president of the Federation of Automotive Product Manufacturers, said Toyota’s announcement it would join Holden and Ford in closing its Australian assembly lines was the final straw in what had already been a decade-long attempt to diversify and adapt to global changes.
He said valuable technology, research and development knowledge and skills would be lost unless action started on building new market strengths rather than reskilling workers for jobs that don’t yet exist.
“Our industry has the skills and know-how to be competitive, but we need time and assistance to re-shape our businesses, to get new customers and diversify into new markets,” he said.
Mr Griffin also urged Australian car buyers not to desert local brands.
“Keep buying until the end,” he said, contradicting a Productivity Commission report that advised governments not to invest in locally made car fleets.
“Stay positive” was also the message from Hume chief executive Domenic Isola, who also attended last Thursday’s meeting with the Premier, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and Industry Minister David Hodgett.
“Australia faces a challenging period with industry transition and growing unemployment, and Hume is part of that,” he said. He cited food manufacturing, transport and logistics, construction, retail and service industries as the key for economic activity and growth in the north.
“All are showing signs of strong growth in the next two years,” Mr Isola said. “Council is working closely in each of these sectors . . . to support existing businesses and attract new business to Hume.
