Automotive Industry

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (14:53): I seek leave to ask a question of the Minister for Automotive Transformation about redundancies at General Motors Holden.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: I take this opportunity to congratulate the minister on his elevation. My office has been informed by a number of constituents that General Motors is currently considering a further round of redundancies which were not initially scheduled, as I am informed. I would like to ask the minister if he is aware of that and what plans the government has in place to deal with that situation as it unfolds.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:53): I thank the honourable member for his question and his continuing interest in this matter. I can inform the honourable member that this week GM Holden announced that it will re-rate its general assembly plant, from 309 vehicles per day to 290 vehicles per day. I can advise that both my office and the chief executive of the Automotive Transformation Taskforce have been in contact with Holden since this announcement was made.

The company has advised that at this stage there will be no impact on its permanent workforce; however, there will be a reduction to its labour hire casual workforce. The company has yet to confirm the actual number of impacted workers; however, it is estimating a reduction of 20 to 30 of these labour hire employees.

While the workers affected will return to their substantive labour hire firm with the opportunity for redeployment elsewhere in the labour market, they may also be eligible for support from the state government through a number of programs including Skills For All and the Retrenched Workers program, and training and employment opportunities available through the Skills for Jobs in Regions employment project.

I am not aware of any other matters that would affect Holden workers at this time, but I would be more than happy to talk to the honourable member if any of his constituents have other concerns.