Victorian Business Chamber Warns Against Election Spending Spree
Victoria’s business chamber has urged political parties to exercise spending restraint ahead of the state election, warning that costly promises could deepen government debt. The chamber is calling for an independent review of state finances and a sustainable fiscal strategy to restore business confidence, encourage investment and support economic growth.
Harry Taruva 
Melbourne — Victoria’s business community has called for tighter control of government spending ahead of the state election, warning that new campaign promises could deepen the state’s debt burden and undermine business confidence.
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) wants political parties to prioritise policies that strengthen productivity, stimulate economic growth and encourage investment rather than introduce spending commitments without clear economic benefits.
The chamber says an independent review of Victoria’s finances should be a priority during the election campaign, alongside a sustainable fiscal strategy to address the state’s growing debt.
VCCI Acting Chief Executive Officer, Amelia Bitsis, said election proposals should be assessed on whether they deliver measurable economic benefits or leave taxpayers with additional liabilities.
“Victoria cannot spend its way out of a debt problem,” Bitsis said, warning that spending without a clear economic return would increase pressure on the state’s finances.
She said restoring fiscal discipline was necessary to rebuild confidence and create conditions for businesses to invest, employ more people and expand their operations.
The chamber’s intervention comes amid concerns about weak business confidence, with the organisation arguing that uncertainty over public finances could discourage investment and constrain economic growth.
It is urging political leaders to use the election campaign to establish a long-term approach to managing state finances, with spending decisions tied to productivity, economic performance and sustainable growth.
The chamber has outlined its proposals in a business-led policy platform, Maximising Victoria’s Potential and Competitiveness, which sets out its recommendations for improving the state’s economic performance.
Bitsis said the election offered an opportunity to place financial sustainability and long-term prosperity at the centre of economic policy.
The chamber’s call puts pressure on political parties to demonstrate how their election commitments would be funded and what economic benefits they would deliver.
