VICTORIA Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) welcomes Premier Andrews’ acknowledgement of the need for a more holistic and connected approach to tourism growth, as highlighted by the Victorian Visitor Economy Review.

“We are delighted that the Premier has acknowledged that we must bring the various aspects of the government’s tourism, marketing and events functions together, to drive growth with “one voice and one clear plan” for Victorian tourism,” said VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

The changes could result in greater:

• Synergies between, and within, government at all levels and the tourism sector.
• Cohesion on the ground for delivering crucial aspects of the visitor experience such as transport, infrastructure and information to increase visitor satisfaction, length of stay and spending.
• Coordination with other sectors including international education, sports, food and wine, agritourism and business events. 

“VTIC supports an events focus to spur growth, however we must better leverage these events to capitalise on their significant economic potential by encouraging further spending on other parts of the economy such as restaurants, accommodation, entertainment and wider regional travel,” said Ms Smith.

“This holistic approach will reap the economic rewards only if it is accompanied by significant expenditure on tourism marketing and further regional infrastructure investment throughout Victoria.

“VTIC looks forward to continued work in partnership with the government as the review outcomes are implemented, to drive job growth and prosperity for Victoria.”

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events industry, providing one united industry voice.

Tourism and events are growth industries for Victoria and contribute $19.6 billion to the state economy each year and employ more than 200,000 people.

vtic.com.au

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NSW Minister for Small Business John Barilaro said the rapid growth of Sydney’s technology startup industry is positioning the Harbour City as the global hub for entrepreneurs and investors.

Mr Barilaro is encouraging entrepreneurs and small businesses to take advantage of Innovate NSW, which offers matched funding of up to $15,000 to help technology SMEs demonstrate an idea, prove a concept or develop a prototype.

“More than 90 projects have been completed to date and early projections show companies have the potential to generate $210 million in sales, $179 million in export sales, and 800 jobs for NSW in the next three years,” he said.

“Fishburners provide an example of Sydney’s emerging entrepreneurial talent because they are prepared to take risks, innovate and attract new investments.

“The NSW Government is making sure our great state remains the leading entrepreneurial place to do business by encouraging the growth of innovative small businesses,” he said.

Other initiatives include the creation of a $25 million Jobs of Tomorrow Scholarship fund, which will provide 25,000 scholarships to support students undertaking qualifications in technology.

The latest Startup Muster survey showed 78 percent of Australian startups created an average of three jobs.

Entrepreneurs looking for affordable, tailored one-on-one business advisory services are also eligible for the NSW Government Small Biz Connect Program.

www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au

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THE VECCI submission to the State Government’s regional review supports business growth and job creation throughout Victoria, according to Chief Executive Mark Stone.

Mr stone said, "VECCI has recently made a submission to the State Government’s Regional Service Delivery Model and Strategic Directions for Regional Policy Review, on behalf of businesses throughout Victoria.

"Our submission, based on extensive regional member consultation, reinforces the fact that the economic performance of our regional and rural communities over the past decade has been a standout feature of Victoria’s overall economic growth.

"It also notes the important role our regions will continue to play into the future, helping ease Melbourne’s population growth pressures and forge new trade, employment and investment opportunities."

Mr Stone said the message to policy makers is that regional growth needs to be accelerated through a series of reforms that include:

INFRASTRUCTURE: Fast track outstanding regional infrastructure projects including the:

• Ballarat Railway Station redevelopment
• Bendigo Airport redevelopment
• Geelong’s Yarra Street Pier reconstruction
• South Gippsland Highway upgrade
• Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton bypass construction
• Mildura Riverfront Precinct redevelopment (Stage 2) 

LOCAL CONTENT: Aim for up to 20 per cent local content in all regional major projects and government purchasing.
 
DECENTRALISED GOVERNMENT: Further relocate key state government departments or agencies to regional areas.
 
SKILLS: Strengthen youth employment pathways, increase regional apprenticeships and traineeships and improve the quality of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.
 
COSTS: Set a regional red and green tape reduction target of at least $100 million per annum by 2015/16.
 
TRADE: Enhance international connections and networks and ensure our agribusiness manufacturers and service industries capitalise on Free Trade Agreements.

"VECCI stands ready to work with the State Government to progress the outcomes of the Review, supporting continued regional growth and job creation," Mr Stone said.

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

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Joint statement by the Hon JB Hockey MP, Treasurer; Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann, Minister for Finance; the Hon Bruce Billson MP, Minister for Small Business:

THE hard working women and men of Australian small business were delivered surety to make the most of the Government’s Jobs and Small Business package today with key measures passing through the Parliament.

All small businesses can immediately deduct every asset costing less than $20,000 that they have purchased since Budget night and can continue to do so until the end of June 2017.

Small companies with a turnover of less than $2 million will benefit from a 1.5 per cent tax cut from 1 July 2015. This will mean we have delivered the lowest tax rate to small business since 1967.

With the passing of these measures we have delivered the lowest tax rate to small business since 1967 through our historic budget package.

The $5.5 billion Jobs and Small Business package is the biggest small business package in our nation’s history.

Since Budget night we have both travelled across the country meeting with a vast array of small business owners and their employees.

It is clear that they feel energised by the small business measures in our Budget and has given them the confidence to carefully invest in growing their business.

The Government is committed to ensuring Australia is the very best place to start and grow a small business. Our Jobs and Small Business package is creating the right conditions for Australian businesses to thrive and grow.

www.financeminister.gov.au

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