VECCI: New government brings opportunity to spur business and state growth

VECCI recognises that the focus of this year’s State Budget is going to be on delivering the Andrews Government’s pre-election commitments.

These commitments have a strong focus on jobs and are closely aligned to the priorities for reform VECCI championed through its 2014 pre-state election campaign Taking Care of Business. 

With this in mind, the budget must fund important productivity enhancing, job creating infrastructure projects.

“We have already welcomed the recently announced funding to progress Melbourne Metro Rail, the Transurban proposal for the Western Distributor project and the agreement to deliver the CityLink / Tullamarine Freeway Widening Project,” said VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone.

“The Andrews Government must build on these announcements by funding and progressing its level crossings removal project and the establishment of Infrastructure Victoria.”

A commitment to expand the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, to be completed by 2018, would also be of great benefit to Victoria’s major events and tourism sectors.

A budget allocation from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund will be important to ensure the delivery of a number of regional infrastructure projects committed to pre-election including:
- The Ballarat Station Redevelopment
- Geelong Performing Arts Centre
- Eureka Stadium, Ballarat
- Grampians Peak Trail

Business is also looking forward to the budget funding a range of other pledged initiatives including:
- The Back to Work Act
- The Premier’s Jobs and Investment Panel
- The Future Industries Fund
- Start-Up Victoria
- Projects Victoria
- Inbound trade missions and new Victorian Government Business Offices

“If not contained in this year’s budget, future budgets must continue to work towards encouraging jobs by lifting the payroll tax threshold and strengthening Victoria’s international engagement capabilities,” said Mr Stone.

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

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