The Victorian Chamber outlines priorities for Premier Ben Carroll’s leadership

The business community says Victoria’s future prosperity will depend on getting the fundamentals right, including addressing the state’s financial position, tackling crime and corruption, and rebuilding confidence in government decision-making.

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Sally Curtain said the change in leadership presents an opportunity to reset the relationship between government and business and create the conditions needed for investment and growth.

“Businesses not only want a government that understands the challenges, they want a leader who can accelerate growth,” Ms Curtain said.

The Victorian Chamber is proposing the below key reforms. 

1) Reducing debt and easing business pressures

The Victorian Chamber is urging the new government to establish a credible and transparent plan to reduce state debt and ease Victoria’s tax burden, which remains the highest in the country.

It argues that the current approach of relying on significant borrowing and taxation is placing increasing pressure on businesses, many of which are already facing rising operating costs.

The Chamber says a proactive fiscal strategy is needed to provide greater certainty for business investment while ensuring the delivery of essential public services.

2) Tackling crime and improving community safety

Victorian Chamber research has found that crime remains one of the most pressing concerns for Victorian businesses.

Seven in 10 businesses have reported that crime and community safety concerns have influenced major business decisions, while organised crime continues to have a direct impact on business operations across the state.

The Chamber is calling for stronger action to improve community safety and address criminal activity affecting businesses and local communities.

3) Restoring confidence in government projects

The Victorian Chamber has also called for stronger integrity measures across government infrastructure projects.

It says confidence in government is essential for Victoria’s future and has urged the new administration to rebuild trust by strengthening transparency and accountability.

The Chamber has also called for allegations of corruption involving government-funded infrastructure projects to be thoroughly investigated, including through a Royal Commission, and has advocated for stronger powers to target wealth linked to criminal activity.

A chance to reset and grow

Ms Curtain said Victorian businesses are ready to invest, create jobs and grow, but require confidence that the state is heading in the right direction.

“The Victorian Government needs a reset. For too long, businesses have been stuck in neutral. It has been far too hard to invest, employ people and grow a business,” she said.

“It’s time to take off the handbrake and shift gears to make Victoria the place to operate a business, not the last place.”

Ms Curtain said the challenges facing Victoria would require collaboration between government and business, with both sectors playing an important role in building a stronger economy.

“Businesses are part of the solution, not the problem, and we look forward to working with the new leader and their government,” she said.