Toyota workers worry for future: Napthine
Victorian Premier Denis Napthine says Toyota workers are disappointed and concerned about their futures.
The world’s largest car maker announced on Monday it will stop building cars in Australia by the end of 2017.
The decision will cost 2500 jobs among the 4000 employed by Toyota in Australia, and hundreds more among parts makers and other suppliers.
Dr Napthine was at Toyota’s Altona plant on Tuesday as workers arrived about 6am (AEDT).
“There was a sense of disappointment, but also a sense of where do we go from here,” he told the Nine Network.
“I’ll be off to Canberra this afternoon to meet with Tony Abbott to put together what I believe is an essential package of assistance for transition of workers from Toyota and the supply chain, and develop their skills and look for new job opportunities.”
Dr Napthine said the package should also include investment in infrastructure and the new industries of the future.
The premier said in a statement on Monday his government would do everything possible to support workers and their families.
“I am extremely disappointed by this sudden decision and would clearly have preferred to have had the opportunity to work through these issues with Toyota and the federal government,” he said.
“My thoughts go immediately to Toyota workers and their families as well as workers across the supply chain.