Tuesday, 30 November 2010 09:51
Victorian Liberal leader Ted Baillieu has now officially taken power,
after John Brumby conceded defeat yesterday afternoon, ending an
11 year run for the Labor Government.
Baillieu is set to move quickly, with incoming treasurer Kim Wells
confirming the new Premier will call on Parliament to resume before
Christmas in order to pass a suite of measures, including changes
to stamp duty taxation and tougher public transport security rules.
The new Liberal government is also expected to address a
number of issues plaguing the business community,
including a proposal to completely rewrite WorkCover
laws and issue a report on the competitiveness of the
state's economy.
That quick action will be welcomed by various industry groups,
including the Australian Industry Group, with many claiming
urgent care is needed regarding the state's property and taxation
laws.
"We have offered a number of policy views that will assist to
deliver a boost in productivity and drive economic growth,
improve job opportunities, develop the health and education
systems and assist with environment policy," AIG state leader
Tim Piper said in a statement.
The coalition cabinet, which includes National Peter Ryan as Deputy
Premier, is likely to be sworn in within days, with Parliament set to
resume before Christmas. Baillieu's intentions include abolishing
suspended sentences for certain crimes, creating a new agency to
overlook the public transport system and the creation of a new
anti-corruption watchdog.
Baillieu is also expected to move quickly on a promise to assign
two security officers to every metropolitan train station after 6pm.
He says the new government's top priorities will include a focus
on public transport and a reduction in crime – two key issues
during the campaign.
"I would say that everybody, as I have said many times, is
relishing the opportunities which lie in front of us," Baillieu
told reporters yesterday. "We're also very sanguine about the
work that needs to be done and we know there's a lot of hard
work in front of us all."
But Baillieu still has a range of measures targeted at the business
community, with stamp duty reform first on the agenda. The
Coalition has promised a stamp duty cut of 50% for first home
buyers, to be phased in from mid-2011 – a move welcomed
by various industry groups.
Harley Dale, senior economist at the Housing Industry Association,
has welcomed the discount to stamp duty but also sees more
work is needed.
"I think it's encouraging we're looking at a situation where stamp
duty for first time buyers will be reduced. Stamp duty is a more
onerous tax in Victoria than it is in any other state or territory
and it's the area where we have an affordability challenge," he says.
"But I think the Government should also make sure that land
doesn't become more unaffordable, and we need to ensure
that as we go forward, land prices remain affordable for first
home buyers."
Other proposals for the housing industry include increasing the
supply of land on the boundary of Melbourne, a two-year review
for the urban growth boundary and the abolition of the Growth
Areas Authority. The Liberal party has also promised to speed up
approval processes – an issue constantly referred to by the HIA
as a thorn in the side of the housing industry.
Other proposals for the business community include a complete
rewrite of the existing WorkCover legislation, and the commissioning
of a "competitiveness report" that would provide recommendations
on everything from taxes to education.
The Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry has
welcomed the Government – although it says it should commit to
cut payroll tax, as Brumby pledged to reduce the state's tax rate by
0.05%.
"Now that the election result has been finalised, VECCI awaits the
Baillieu Government articulating a timetable for its program of projects,
" the group said in a statement. Its list of wants include a pledge to
construct certain freeways and rail lines, along with a commitment
to rethink property planning laws.
"During the election campaign the Coalition supported VECCI's
call for extended clearway times in metropolitan Melbourne to be
reviewed and our members look forward to the new State Government's
action on this issue."
Piper also said the AIG has its own wish list, including action on
reforming the state's tax system, building infrastructure and a focus
on education and skills training.
"We will work with the new Government on delivering policies to
help ensure that Victoria plays a leading role in the national economy
and which best serve Victorian industry to create further
opportunities for business growth."
Brumby is expected to step down as leader, paving the way for
either Tim Holding or Daniel Andrews to assume the role, but he is
also tipped to remain as a representative for Broadmeadows.
WCV's: Bloody figures doesnt it, everytime a change in government
is made they attack the accident compensation act. Hang on to your
hats injured workers we will be loosing more of our rights, again!!!!!
1 comment:
Why has Ted Baillieu, done nothing about work cover and the insurance companies,not complying with their own policies.
If the government want injured workers to stick to policy not that we have a choice then deals done in conciliation must be kept not 3 months later CGU being one deciding they dont want to stick tom this deal.
Therefore paving the way for more clutter in the courts and loss of money .
They should be held accountable for their actions.
So get off your backsides and fix this crap.
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