Victorian government gives funding boost to manufacturing sector
The Victorian ALP government is pushing to lure manufacturing jobs to the State in the wake of Ford’s plant closure, Holden’s engine-plant shuttering and the imminent end of Toyota’s production line.
Premier Daniel Andrews this week attended the opening of Rinnai’s new facility in Braeside, which will produce gas and electric hot water systems, ducted gas, air-conditioning and solar renewable systems, plus conduct global R&D.
Showing some savvy politicking, Andrews looped the decimated automotive sector into the messaging — we’d mention that his ALP largely opposed the national Coalition that oversaw the auto-makers pull out — by citing one Daniel Petkoff.
“… Petkoff worked in the automotive industry for years. Now, he’s moved to Rinnai, managing a whole factory and recruiting 160 new manufacturing workers, including some of his former workmates in the auto industry,” Andrews said.
“I saw the pride in his face as we opened the Rinnai manufacturing centre this morning. And I’ll look forward to meeting more people like him as other companies expand their operations in Victoria.
“Because we make things in this state – and we always will.”
Andrews, along with minister for industry and employment Wade Noonan, announced an expanded ‘Investment Attraction and Assistance Program’ designed to secure more global business, and funded by State taxpayers.
A $90 million funding boost will as part of the Victorian Budget 2017/18 has been targetted at creating and retaining jobs in “priority industries” such as manufacturing and aviation, building on the $116 million announced in the Victorian Budget 2016/17.
“Rinnai’s new manufacturing base is supporting Victorian auto workers in the south east by creating job opportunities for the future,” conjectured member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson.
MORE: Confirmed: Holden plant will shut October 20
MORE: Ford Australia to cease local production in October 2016
MORE: Toyota confirms October 3 end for Australian production, Holden the last to go