Overview
- The 2025 Business Council of Australia comparison places Victoria last for a second straight year on overall business conditions.
- The analysis cites high land taxes, the nation’s highest commercial stamp duty, uncompetitive payroll tax settings, and a heavy licensing burden, with cafe compliance obligations about two‑thirds higher than in the Northern Territory and new 2024 surcharges reinforcing the tax hit.
- South Australia tops the rankings for a third year, credited with competitive payroll tax rates, streamlined planning approvals and lighter licensing requirements.
- Business Council chief executive Bran Black warns current settings deter investment and calls for commitments to reduce regulation and tax.
- Premier Jacinta Allan rejects the assessment, highlighting planning reforms and major projects such as SUBCO’s $500 million transcontinental fibre build, whose chief executive praised the state’s support.