A new survey has once again confirmed that under the Allan Labor Government, Victoria is the worst place in Australia to start, operate, and grow a business.
The Business Council of Australia’s Regulation Rumble 2024 has ranked Victoria last for overall business settings and found “with a low ranking for its property taxes and charges, payroll taxes, and business licencing requirements, the State has much room for improvement if it is to attract and generate business-driven growth.”
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said with the highest debt, the highest unemployment, and most red tape – it should be no surprise that under Labor, Victoria is the worst place in the nation to do business.
“After a decade of financial mismanagement, Labor’s ever-increasing taxes are pushing businesses, investment and economic opportunity interstate,” Ms Cleeland said.
“In our regional communities, we are seeing development stifled as businesses would rather go elsewhere instead of dealing with the red tape and planning limitations found locally.
“In towns like Benalla, Kilmore, Seymour, and Broadford, we are seeing new shops close down far too frequently. These are areas that should be growing and thriving, not being filled with empty storefronts.
“Instead of using businesses to pay for their own financial mismanagement, the Allan Labor Government should be taking action to cut red tape and incentivise investment to ensure Victoria is an attractive place to do business.”
Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that Benalla, Seymour, and the Kilmore-Broadford area all had less businesses than they did the previous year. Benalla in particular had a decrease of 36 businesses, equivalent to a loss of 4 per cent.
Ms Cleeland said she would be holding roundtables with local business owners in the new year to address ongoing issues they have, after hospitality, tourism, shop owners, and tradespeople have all reported difficulties in the region.
“This government has failed to listen to our local business owners and understand the unique challenges that our regional industries are facing,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I look forward to meeting with businesses from across our region to ensure these challenges are addressed, and our towns are able to thrive.”
