Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu

Victoria Minister for Manufacturing Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva

Toyota Redundancies

Victor P Taffa

Today’s announcement of redundancies at Toyota Australia comes at a time when the Australian automotive manufacturing sector is facing a series of challenges, including the high Australian dollar and global economic uncertainty placing pressure on export demand.

Premier Ted Baillieu said the announcement would be distressing for the Toyota employees and their families and the Coalition Government will work with the company to provide assistance for the affected workers.

The Victorian Government, through Skills Victoria, will be making assistance available under the Workers in Transition Program.

In addition the Government, through the Department of Business and Innovation, will work with Victorian businesses that may be seeking to recruit some of the displaced workers to meet their labour requirements.

Mr. Baillieu said the Coalition Government was committed to a strong and successful future for manufacturing in Victoria, however international economic uncertainty, a weaker national economy and the high Australian dollar was placing considerable pressure on the manufacturing industry.

“The Coalition Government is working with Victorian manufacturers to manage these external economic challenges, and is implementing a clear economic plan to retain and attract business investment, generate employment opportunities and grow Victoria’s exports.” Mr. Baillieu said.

Victoria’s manufacturing sector is the state’s single largest full-time employer. The sector employs around 295,000 Victorians and generates around $15.3 Billion p.a. in export sales.

VIC Minister for Manufacturing Exports & Trade Richard Dalla-Riva

Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva said the Victorian Government released a new manufacturing strategy for Victoria last year after completing a comprehensive review of the challenges and opportunities for the sector.

“This strategy will strengthen Victoria’s manufacturing industry to create more opportunities for businesses to grow and become more productive and competitive in a tough global market.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said