The Victorian Chamber launched our 2018/19 State Budget submission this week. Our key message is that although Victoria is performing well, challenges to growth are also mounting and the Victorian Government must use the May Budget to support business and grow jobs.

The recommendations contained in our submission reflect the priorities of Victorian business and are designed to keep Victoria strong and growing.

We have categorised these under five key policy areas: keep Victoria competitive through continued responsible economic and financial management, lower energy costs and improve energy security and reliability, strengthen liveability and grow the visitor economy, boost small business and grow jobs, and enhance regional Victoria.

Our submission calls on the State Government to work with business to grow jobs by increasing the payroll tax threshold, employ more apprentices and trainees, progress the North East Link and support investment in regional Victoria.

We will continue to work with the State Government to ensure a positive and beneficial outcome for Victorian business in the May Budget.

In other news, next week we will be launching our 2018 State Election campaign which will outline ten policy priorities for Victorian business. These priorities have been shaped and informed by member input, including extensive consultation across the state as part of the Victorian Chamber’s 2017 Victoria Summit. We will continue to actively advocate to all political parties in the lead up to the November State Election.

We look forward to presenting this information to you in the next edition of Victorian Chamber News.

Mark Stone