“This budget, branded as “Easier. Safer. More Affordable”, is a budget that will provide some cost of living relief for Victorians but does little to help businesses,” added Mr Ryan.

“Life will get no easier, safer or affordable for those who operate a business in Victoria and importantly pay the wages and salaries for most workers.  Public transport and car registration relief is not as critical as having a job. 

“Trading conditions for home builders have remained challenging in the face of rising construction costs, over-reaching new regulations, and lack of business confidence – many of which have been compounded by Victoria’s punitive property taxes and unfriendly business regulation laws.

“There is continued funding for a number of training initiatives and especially with school age students. This is welcome but more fundamental support for apprentices and hosts would have done more to give the industry a boost and address difficulties in attracting and retaining apprentices.

“There was also a decision to extend the stamp duty concession for off-the-plan multi-units for a further 6 months. This extension may lead to a few apartment projects being brought forward that would otherwise stay on the drawing board.

“There is some increased funding for the development and implementation of planning and building reforms. While the government’s intentions with these reforms may be good the recent experience with building reforms will make the industry wary. Regulatory fatigue and associated costs is a major problem for home builders.

“Unfortunately, this year’s budget does nothing else to reduce the cost of home building.

“The budget today does little to help businesses in the housing industry to deliver on government expectations that 800,000 homes will be built in ten years”, concluded Mr Ryan.

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