Victoria ranked worst again

The Business Council's annual regulation ranking has placed Victoria last for pro-business policies every year since 2023. South Australia topped the list for the fourth consecutive year.

High taxes and red tape cited

Business Council chief executive Bran Black said Victoria continues to face serious challenges from high taxes and unnecessary regulation, factors in the state's sluggish economy and high unemployment.

“"continues to face serious challenges"”

How the ranking works

The Business Council rewards states for lower payroll and land taxes, faster planning approvals, simpler licensing, and cheaper workers compensation and insurance. The ranking reflects subjective assessment of favourable business policies.

South Australia's advantage

South Australia leads chiefly through the lowest average payroll tax rates and is the only jurisdiction adjusting thresholds for inflation.It also has a simplified licensing system.

Victoria's planning reform not yet counted

Victoria is streamlining planning approvals through its Better Decisions Made Faster laws, but this was not factored into the rankings because the legislated reform does not take effect until twenty twenty-seven.

Both parties promise tax relief

Both Labor and the Coalition have promised to lift Victoria's land tax-free threshold, rolling back changes made in twenty twenty-four that captured an extra two hundred fifty thousand Victorian workers.

Election pitch focuses on business

Premier Ben Carroll told a business forum he wants to keep working with business to find competitive advantages and maximise growth and jobs.

“"I want to keep working with you to find competitive advantages and maximise growth and jobs"”

Wilson leads in polling

While the Coalition needs to overcome a sixteen-seat deficit to form a majority government, polling suggests Opposition Leader Jess Wilson is most likely to be victorious in the November election.