05.05.20222022 Federal Election analysis

Australians will head to the polls on 21 May to elect members to the 47th Parliament of Australia. With the international border closed for two years, soaring debt, a war in Ukraine, regional geopolitical tensions, climate change and cost of living pressures, the next government must chart a path forward that will be as challenging as it is uncertain.

Addressing these challenges from a position of economic strength is crucial and will require Australia’s cities to be efficient and productive. Committee for Melbourne (the Committee) is focused on policies that will do just that for our city. In February, the Committee launched its inaugural 2022 Benchmarking Melbourne Report, to begin a conversation about Melbourne’s strengths and opportunities. Using benchmarks and metrics to assess Melbourne’s performance against 19 global peer cities, it offers data-driven insights and analysis of where greater policy focus is necessary.

Benchmarking Melbourne highlights that Melbourne has many strengths, perhaps none more so than our famed experience economy. With year-round artistic, cultural, business and sporting events, combined with eclectic laneways, café culture, our unique galleries, theatres, hidden bars and outdoor dining, Melbourne rates 3 out of 20 for its experience economy and 6 out of 20 for its image and influence. Melbourne has much to be proud of.

Yet, it also has challenges.

Benchmarking Melbourne highlights core opportunities associated with infrastructure, housing, skills, technology and innovation, climate change and investment attraction – all important issues for the incoming Federal Government to consider.

The Committee would welcome the incoming Federal Government to focus its attention on the following key issues, and hopes that election commitments might address long-term issues that will benefit Melbourne:

1. Infrastructure: Support the creation of a comprehensive, integrated transport plan for Melbourne, which would support costed, planned and productive investments in future-shaping infrastructure.
2. Housing: Develop a national strategy to increase the supply of social and affordable housing.
3. Skills: Assist in equipping Australians with the skills to navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution and ensure we possess a skilled migration program that is responsive to the needs of business.
4. Technology and digital capability: Ensure all Australians possess basic digital literacy and skills, support the development of enough individuals with highly competent digital skills, ensure that our internet infrastructure is world-class
5. Leading Edge Innovation: Drawing on the significant strong foundations in research, support the commercialisation of new ideas and scaling up of start-ups; and ensure a suite of measures so that Australia remains an attractive investment destination.
6. Climate change and sustainability: Increase emissions reduction target to 2030 and develop a national energy plan.
7. Health care: Implement policies, programs and investment that addresses issues of affordability, access, skills, digital engagement and hard infrastructure.

Read on below for details of each key priority area.