A majority of businesses in Victoria expressed their support for the state’s proposed 10-year manufacturing strategy, according to a survey conducted by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry ahead of the state election.
Eighty-two per cent of 1,000 respondents backed the plan, as well as partnerships that back “buy local” initiatives.
The manufacturing strategy is part of the state’s 2022 election platform Powering Victoria’s Future, which was announced Wednesday. The plan seeks to boost the state’s local manufacturing in existing and emerging industries.
The survey also revealed that 91 per cent support reducing youth unemployment to help address the lack of skilled labour and 70 per cent support regulatory reform to allow for easier business investment.
“This is an important survey as it demonstrates the clear priorities for Victorian businesses as they recover from the pandemic and look ahead to the future,” said Paul Guerra, chief executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Furthermore, 82 per cent seek the establishment of regional development precincts to develop industries in regional growth and innovation.
An overwhelming number of respondents have also called on to bring the payroll tax threshold in line with New South Wales to make Victoria more competitive.
“Business is clearly saying they want policies that ease the cost of doing business, build Victorian industries, grow Regional Victoria and enable businesses by building a skilled and expanding labour force,” Guerra said.
“Business wants Victoria to be the best state to live, learn, work and own and operate a business and believe we need to take proactive steps to achieve this to ensure that we don’t fall behind the rest of Australia.”
