Premier shares his vision for Victoria
Premier of Victoria Dr Dennis Napthine shared his vision for Victoria’s future at an Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC) luncheon in Melbourne.
Dennis Napthine
The Premier, who took up the State’s top post earlier this year, pointed to three elements as “vital” to the future of Victoria: sound financial management, investment in the State’s infrastructure and the growth of our exports.
The Premier pointed to a host of achievements of the Liberal government in the area of financial management, including a projected surplus of 225 million for the 2013-14 year, and record levels of expenditure dedicated for education and health.
“But one of the things I’m most proud of is the way we continue to grow jobs and opportunities in Victoria… We are the jobs engine room of the Australian economy,” said Dr Napthine.
The Premier then stressed the importance of investing for the long term, and cited four infrastructure projects which, according to him, would be “game changing”. These projects are the Regional Rail Project, plans to increase the capacity of Melbourne’s Port while also developing the port of Hastings, the East-West link, and the Metro Rail Tunnel.
He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to public transport. “Our government has probably done more to improve public transport services than any other over the past decade… We are committed to public transport and we are committed to improving services,” he said.
In terms of increasing exports, Dr Napthine referred to his government as having “a very aggressive trade missions program”.
Dr Napthine also thanked the AICC for fostering the close ties between Israel and the State of Victoria, and congratulated the chamber for its role in warning Australia about the insidious nature of the Boycott Divestment Sanctions campaign.
Dr Napthine’s speech was preceded by an address by Prof. Ed Byrne, President and Vice Chancellor of Monash University.
More than 450 people attended the AICC luncheon, which was held at Crown Casino.
