Department of Education, Skills and Employment

Reviewing the response to the closure of the automotive industry

This study involved gauging the attitudes, perspectives, expectations, mental health and wellbeing of automotive workers as they went through the process of retrenchment.

The closure of the Ford, Holden and Toyota car manufacturing plants, and the flow on to the supply chain companies, in Australia in 2016 and 2017 was one of the most significant structural adjustments seen in Australia’s manufacturing sector.

For this study we partnered with specialist management consulting firm ACIL Allen Consulting to review the closure of the automotive manufacturing sector in Australia.  The project involved gauging the attitudes, perspectives, expectations, mental health and wellbeing of automotive workers and their families and support networks as they go through the process of retrenchment and into other activities. 

It used every means of interviewing appropriate including the more traditional means of computerised telephone surveys, individual interviews in person and by phone and small group discussions. We also interviewed key stakeholders in the industry and other workers along the supply chain.  Survey participants were then re-interviewed 3, 6 and 12 months after closure. 

Given the high-profile nature of this study, findings needed to be communicated in a way that was both informative and easy to understand. The ACIL Allen/Wallis team prepared three reports for this study - two graphic reports, and one accessible report. View both of the graphic reports via the links provided below.

Outcomes and Best Practice Summary Report

Outcomes and Best Practice Report

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