Govt needs jobs plan, says Labor

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says the federal government needs short and long-term solutions to keep the manufacturing industry alive.

Aluminium giant Alcoa will close its rolling mill in Geelong, along with a second rolling mill in Yennora, NSW, affecting almost 1000 workers.

Mr Shorten, who spoke with Alcoa management on Tuesday, said it was a devastating announcement for the company's workers and their families.

The global over-supply of aluminium, a dramatic drop in aluminium prices and a high Australian dollar made the continuation of the operations impossible.

"The Abbott government must provide adjustment packages for these regions and transition assistance for these workers," Mr Shorten said.

"Labor stands ready to work with the government to ensure this happens as soon as possible."

He said that in the long-term the government needed a jobs plan.