Govts want 'generous' Ford contribution FORD is under pressure to cough up significant cash to help employees set to lose their jobs in Geelong and Melbourne retrain for other work. Ford has pledged to contribute to the government fund to help the 1200 workers at its Broadmeadows and Geelong plants, which will close in 2016. Ford president and chief executive Bob Graziano hasn't said how much cash will be coming, but Prime Minister Julia Gillard wants the car company to contribute "generously" to the fund. Victorian Premier Denis Napthine pushed for a big contribution when he met with Ford representatives in Geelong on Friday. Mr Graziano said he was working with the Victorian and federal governments on how best to contribute to the adjustment package. "I want to get with the governments to understand what they are proposing and then we will come back and work with them on it," he said. Dr Napthine says he's told Ms Gillard Victoria will increase its $9 million contribution to the economic development and diversification fund for Geelong and northern Melbourne if the commonwealth also boosts its $30 million commitment. "The prime minister said she would consider that into the future," he said. The loss of 510 jobs in Geelong, where Fords have been made since 1925, has renewed calls for it be home to the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS). Dr Napthine said the Ford decision strengthened the case to headquarter NDIS in the city, which would create 500 jobs. "This would be an important shot in the arm at this difficult time," he said. Dr Napthine would not directly answer questions about whether the coalition would consider relocating a government department or agency such as WorkSafe, which employs about 1200 people, to Geelong. The former Labor government relocated the Transport Accident Commission to the city in 2009. The premier said he would convene a Ford taskforce including key government ministers and sponsor a summit in Geelong next month to identify job growth opportunities. "If we work together I think we can over the next three-and-half years work with Ford, work with their workforce to provide them the best assistance available, the best opportunities available to get a positive outcome for them and their families and to make sure that Geelong continues to grow and develop," he said. Mayor Keith Fagg said Geelong needed to embrace new industries, adding that the carbon fibre and transport logistics industries were key areas for potential growth. "We feel for those people affected, but the best way we can face this is to move forward, not look back," he said. The federal and state governments have also promised an extra $12 million to support the car supply chain industry. Victorian opposition leader Daniel Andrews said an estimated 4000 would be lost from car components manufacturers in addition to the 1200 jobs to go at Ford.