Victorian political parties present economic pledges ahead of election

As Victoria approaches the state election on November 28, major political parties have released competing economic and business proposals. The Liberal-National coalition, represented by health spokesperson Georgie Crozier, has pledged to abolish payroll tax for general practitioners (GPs). The party argues the tax acts as an impediment to general practice provision. While the scope for non-GP private practices remains unconfirmed, the proposal aims to support medical businesses.

Incumbent Premier Ben Carroll and the Labor government have outlined a different platform focused on small businesses and startups. Labor has proposed the ‘Make It Here Fund’, a $350 million initiative designed to support advanced manufacturing, defence, food, fibre, and medical research. This includes $200 million in equity co-investment through Innovation Victoria. Additionally, Labor remains committed to implementing work-from-home protections for employees, despite previous legislative delays and parliamentary inquiries regarding the reform's impact on businesses.