The money would be used to help workers across the country, especially in Geelong and Adelaide, as car makers pull out of Australia.

Labor estimates up to 200,000 people face a dire future as a result of car manufacturing closures between now and next year.

“We simply cannot allow so many Australians to be left in the lurch,” opposition industry spokesman Kim Carr told ABC radio today.

“We need to be able to work with people to secure blue-collar jobs as well as those that are at the top end of town.”

A federal Labor government would use the money to boost existing state government industry transition programs in Victoria and South Australia.

Industry Minister Christopher Pyne welcomed Labor’s announcement but said it was “really a Johnny-come-lately approach” given the government has already put programs in place to help these workers.

He highlighted Coalition investment in defence manufacturing, innovative jobs and free-trade deals as well as programs for automotive diversification and next-generation manufacturing.

AAP