Treasurer Tim Pallas shares his optimism for the future

On Monday 22 November, our Foundation members met with Mr Tim Pallas MP, Treasurer of Victoria to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing Melbourne in 2022 and beyon.

Following a keynote address, the Treasurer was joined by Dean Yates, Oceania Government Assurance and Victorian Government Leader, EY, Ellie Schwab, Head of Office Portfolio, Dexus and Martine Letts, CEO, Committee for Melbourne for an interactive panel discussion.

As the Treasurer prepares to hand down his eighth budget in 2022, he reflected on managing the state’s economic recovery alongside the government’s health and security agenda. He noted that as we exceed the 90% vaccination rate, the focus will be on re-energising our local economies and activating our communities.

The Treasurer believes the five-year budget surplus prior to the pandemic has provided strong foundations for our economy and the rebound in jobs in the last two quarters, will assist with a rapid economic recovery. The removal of density limits will help trigger an economic revival and getting Victorians back to work, through the Government’s aggressive jobs plan, which will focus on:

  • digital jobs and apprenticeships
  • continued infrastructure investment
  • tax credits for job creations with over $340 million in grants allocated
  • investment in hospitals, ambulances and the building industry
  • over $2 billion to signature economic recovery initiatives

Mr Pallas also reflected on the importance of international students to our state and is investing in their immediate return which will contribute to our skills resource and our economy.

The Treasurer praised the work of the Committee’s Road to Recovery taskforce noting our focus on the revitalisation of the CBD, the visitor economy, international students and Melbourne’s experience economy, which he is optimistic will rebound.

Thank you to EY and Dexus for supporting this signature, annual Committee for Melbourne event. We look forward to returning to the tradition of an in-person luncheon with the Treasurer next year.

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