It's election time

19 August 2022

I wouldn’t blame you if you felt election-ed out. 

To have to double up after the painful and divisive May federal election is a big ask.

But you’re required to do it just the same, after all, this is your once-in-four-year chance to have a say in who runs the state.

The 2022 Victorian State Election, set for Saturday 26 November, will be upon us in no time.

So, let’s concentrate on the issues.

To help, the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has launched its 2022 state election manifesto, Fully Charged: The automotive industry’s policy priorities for the next Victorian state government. The document calls for the implementation of 27 recommendations that will make a difference to Victoria’s 19,000 automotive businesses and the 110,000 Victorians working in them. Not to mention Victoria’s 4.5 million or so motorists.

The most urgent ‘call’ is to address critical labour shortages across all sectors of the industry.

Further, the next state government needs to: 

• Create a comprehensive zero and low-emissions vehicle (ZLEV) strategy
• Instigate a three-year apprentice wage subsidy program for employers
• Introduce a three-year apprentice mentoring program to improve retention rates
• Invest in sustainable waste recycling and renewable energy facilities
• Raise Victoria’s payroll tax threshold to $1.2 million per annum
• Implement an annual roadworthy requirement for vehicles aged eight years and over.

There’s more to do, of course, but if the next Victorian government gets these policies in place it will shore up an $11 billion sector. 

And that’s good for every Victorian.

To read Fully Charged go to vacc.com.au

Words: VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym. As featured in the Herald Sun on 19 August 2022.