Why our Policy and Influence Services are crucial to your business....
Business is operating in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing environment. Staying ahead of developments in business policy is imperative if adjustments are to be made quickly in order to minimise business risk or to take advantage of new opportunities. VECCI's role in this process is to provide effective leadership that builds the best environment for doing business in Victoria. Our capacity to achieve this goal depends in no small part on the strength of our association with you, our members – businesses that recognise the value of an influential lobbying presence, the security of association and a commonality of purpose and direction.
Our lobbying has been instrumental in securing cuts to business costs in the recent 2007/08 State Budget, including:
- Cuts to payroll tax (falling from 5.25% to 5.0% over 3 years)
- Land tax (a 20% reduction in middle land tax rates)
- WorkCover (a 10% premium reduction – the third successive cut in as many years)
Even with these 'wins', the year ahead will be a challenging one. Our representations to Governments on your behalf will aim squarely at:
- Reducing red tape
- Securing further cuts in business taxes
- Working with employers to ensure they understand and meet new obligations under the "WorkChoices" reforms
- Ensuring vital infrastructure projects such as channel deepening and road and rail upgrades throughout Victoria are delivered on time and on budget
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