What Victoria’s peak business body says must be in the upcoming state budget

Victoria’s peak business body says the upcoming state budget must include measures to help businesses to play a key role in the state’s economic recovery.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has made 73 recommendations on what should be included.

VCCI CEO Paul Guerra told Ross and Russel doubling wage subsidies for apprentices and trainees and incentivising international students back are priorities.

He’s also calling for major infrastructure projects to be broken down into “smaller chunks” so smaller organisations can “have a go”, and says the state should be looking towards what it can do in space.

Mr Guerra says tourism and events are Victoria’s “sweet spot” and defined tourism and events strategies would have a huge economic impact.

“Let’s get the Rugby World Cup 2027,” he said.

“Finally, let’s move the impediments to running a business here – things like payroll tax. Let’s up the threshold on that.

“We’ve got to get Victoria the place to own and operate a business after a difficult couple of years.”

Press PLAY below to hear more about the 73 things VCCI wants to see in the state budget