Mr Smith blamed the federal government for Holden's decision, saying it knew what was required to keep Holden and the automotive industry in Australia. "The blame for this lies squarely at the foot of the Abbott government," he said. He said workers and Holden did everything to try to keep the company in Australia. It's been the federal government that hasn't played ball, it's been the federal government that has made a decision that 50,000 people should be put out of work. Mr Smith said Holden's decision would be devastating for the Australian economy, as well as South Australia and Victoria. There's going to be a $12 billion hole ripped into the economy. Mr Smith said the government could have saved the industry and jobs but decided to ignore the issue. It's a very bleak day indeed. Mr Smith said he was gutted by news of the announcement and that workers were devastated. "They loved working in this industry," he said. They love building things. That's been taken away from them. Mr Smith was reduced to tears addressing reporters in Melbourne and had to stop briefly to regain his composure. "Sorry about that, my heart goes out to those workers and their families," he said. It's a very sad day. Many workers had likely left early on Wednesday after being told the news. "Workers have to go home and tell their wives, partners and kids that they will no longer be working in the automotive industry post 2016," he said. He said he would sit down with workers and negotiate an assistance package.