Victoria ranked worst state in Australia for business

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

Victoria has been ranked the worst place to run a business in Australia for the third year running, according to the Business Council of Australia's annual report.

Victoria has again failed to shake the title of worst state for business in Australia, a ranking it has held for three consecutive years, according to the Business Council of Australia's annual Regulation Rumble report released on Tuesday. High taxes, slow regulation and high unemployment rates continue to weigh on Victorian businesses. The report comes as party leaders present their pitches to business advocates ahead of the state election, one month away.

Victoria remains anchored at the bottom of the list in most categories and slipped from fourth to last on planning. The council attributed the slide to slower decision-making times compared to other states, with a major overhaul of the state's planning and environment laws not taking effect for another 12 months. The council's chief Bran Black said 'the same problems we identified last year still exist, particularly around payroll tax, property taxes and business licensing'.

South Australia has been crowned the best place to do business for the fourth year running, with the most competitive payroll tax and licensing requirements in the nation. Victoria's phasing out of business insurance duties by 2033 proved a rare positive, bumping the state to second best in Australia on that measure, behind the ACT which does not tax insurance premiums. The council noted that many of Victoria's most significant reforms will not come online until 2027, while other states are already implementing their reforms.

How it is being reported

• Leaders' pitch to business as unenviable title sticksVictoria remains the worst place in Australia to run a business, as leaders make their pitches at a key industry event one month from the state election.The West Australian · 27 Oct, 16:33
• Leaders' pitch to business as unenviable title sticksVictoria remains the worst place in Australia to run a business, as leaders make their pitches at a key industry event one month from the state election.Perth Now · 27 Oct, 16:33

In this story: Victoria · South Australia · Australian Capital Territory · Business Council of Australia · Bran Black

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