Politicians from all parties will be out on the hustings over the next two weeks and we look forward to more announcements that help lower business costs, cut red tape, simplify workplace regulation and deliver productivity boosting infrastructure.

By putting measures in place that help businesses to grow, governments can help to create jobs and wealth, which in turn helps deliver benefits to households, families and individuals. This election, our political leaders must take action to deliver on Australian business priorities.

We’re adding our voice to the campaign by backing the Australian Chamber’s Top 10 in 10 policy platform, which outlines ten key steps to improving our country’s global competitiveness and creating an environment where businesses can thrive.

On Monday we join the Australian Chamber in hosting a leadership luncheon with Senator the Hon Scott Ryan, Minister for Vocational Education and Skills and the Hon Sharon Bird MP, Shadow Minister for Vocational Education, where we will continue to highlight our skills and training priorities to both sides of politics.

A strong apprenticeship and traineeship system is vital to ensuring that business can access the skills it needs for the jobs of the future, while giving our young people the chance to succeed.  That’s why one of our key recommendations this election campaign is to make it easier for employers to take on apprentices and trainees.

The collective voice of business can send a powerful message to our politicians. I encourage you to get behind the Top 10 in 10 campaign and help spread the message about what is important to Victorian business.