Media Release: Support for APV workers through Government entitlement scheme

11 April 2012

The Australian Government stands ready to assist employees of APV Automotive Components, following its decision to liquidate its Coburg business operations today.



Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten said the Government is working closely with the appointed insolvency practitioners to ensure that any employees who may be terminated as a result of this liquidation receive their fair entitlements.  

The Government understands that negotiations are underway with car companies to restart operations and avoid industry disruption and therefore expects only a small proportion of employees of APV Automotive Components to be affected. We understand from the liquidator that timely intervention should improve the chances of saving the remainder of the jobs.

“We will ensure that payments to APV employees under the General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (GEERS) are fast tracked, so they receive their entitlements as soon as possible,” Mr Shorten said.

“The Government’s GEERs scheme operates to protect employees’ entitlements in these situations, and in the financial year to date, has assisted over 15,000 employees to receive their fair entitlements.” 

GEERS is a basic payment scheme designed to assist employees who have lost their employment as a result of the insolvency of their employer and are owed certain employee entitlements.

“Workers can also talk to Centrelink about their individual circumstances and discuss services which may be available to them.”

For more information contact the Centrelink Hotline on 13 28 50.