Premier Jacinta Allan to boost industry relations

Jacinta Allan has called in some of the nation’s biggest business minds – including AFL boss Andrew Dillon, HWT chairman Penny Fowler and VISY chairman Anthony Pratt – to steer a new taskforce aimed at boosting relations between government and industry.

Jacinta Allan said she will use the council to “hear directly from some of Victoria’s business minds”. Picture: Nadir Kinani

Jacinta Allan has called in some of the nation’s biggest business minds – including AFL boss Andrew Dillon, Herald and Weekly Times chairman Penny Fowler, VISY chairman Anthony Pratt and Bunnings chief Mike Schneider – to steer a new taskforce aimed at boosting relations between government and industry.

The Premier will launch her Economic Growth Statement on Tuesday, detailing how the government plans to drive investment across Victoria as it signals a keenness to partner with big business.

The Allan government is facing mounting pressure over its parlous financial position, which projects that state debt will hit $187.8bn by 2027-28.

It’s understood the Economic Growth Statement won’t be centred around the government’s fiscal situation, but rather will explore ways it can grow the economy and tap into high-potential areas.

A component of the statement will be the creation of the Premier’s Business Council, which will be chaired by former Australia Post and NAB chief executive Ahmed Fahour, and made up of 14 business identities across a range of sectors ranging from sports, media, manufacturing, finance and philanthropy.

Monash University president Sharon Pickering, Lord Mayor Nick Reece, KordaMentha co-founder Mark Mentha and Asian Australian Business Association of Whitehorse president Bihong Wang will also sit on the panel.

Ms Allan said she will use the council to “hear directly from some of Victoria’s business minds” to ensure the government and industry were working together “for the benefit of our whole state”.

“We want businesses to grow and Victorians to have good secure jobs and we’re working hand in hand with industry to deliver that,” she said.

Other forums, led by industry associations and unions, will also be established so Ms Allan and senior government representatives can work with businesses to test new ideas and policies, and address the barriers that industry face.