The Victorian Chamber encourages you to vote for a party that will back business and grow jobs. On your ballot paper, make sure you put a major party first. A minority government can cause political chaos and uncertainty for Victoria, only a major party can deliver on their promises.

After the election, the Victorian Chamber will keep advocating for the business priorities identified in our Stronger Business, Stronger Victoriaelection platform – priorities developed by business, for business.

There have been a number of business-related announcements made by the major Victorian political parties in the past couple of weeks.

We were pleased with the Coalition’s announcement to provide $125 million a year over eight years for grants for projects that will grow jobs in regional Victoria.

Victoria’s 130,000 regional businesses make a vital contribution to the state’s economy, employing more than 600,000 people and generating 20 per cent of the state’s economic output. This support will boost regional businesses by providing much needed funding for them to invest and grow jobs.

Also, this fortnight we welcomed the announcement by the Andrews’s Government, that if re-elected, it will allocate $340 million for Geelong and Ballarat train lines, adding an extra 54 V/Locity carriages for the regional lines.

Investment in regional rail is critical for the continued prosperity of regional Victoria. An improved travel experience for passengers on regional rail is essential to increase the liveability and attractiveness of regional Victoria for local residents, visitors and businesses.

Despite these positive announcements and other promising commitments related to infrastructure investment, more work is needed on pro-business priorities to secure Victoria’s future. We look forward to working with the next State Government to ensure these business priorities are on the political agenda on day one of government.

In other news, last week, we were delighted to be joined by the Rt Hon Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp, and over 70 members of the Victorian business community for our final 2018 Melbourne Chamber of Commerce Leadership Luncheon.

It was a pleasure hearing from the Lord Mayor on her vision for a prosperous Melbourne and a vibrant business community. We look forward to collaborating further in the future.

On a final note, there is still time to register for the last event of our 2018 Victorian Chamber Presents series, to be held on Thursday, 6 December. Join us for lunch and enjoy the opportunity to hear from Lorna Jane Clarkson – founder and inspirational woman behind the multi-award winning active-wear brand. We hope to see you there.

Mark Stone AM