Albert Park electorate economic development
Nina TAYLOR (Albert Park) (17:16): (1264) My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs the Honourable Danny Pearson. The action I seek is for the minister to visit my electorate of Albert Park and see firsthand the great work of local businesses who are contributing to industry growth and employment opportunities in my area. Our Allan Labor government is supporting major new investments to boost jobs and grow the state’s tech and innovation sectors, such as the recently announced groundbreaking $2 billion investment by digital infrastructure giant NEXTDC, which will build a next-generation tech campus in Fishermans Bend. The new M4 Melbourne campus will be a world-class facility featuring an AI factory, a mission-critical operations centre and a technology centre of excellence, putting Victoria on the map as a national leader in digital infrastructure and innovation. This project is being delivered with the support of the Allan Labor government and aligns with the broader vision for the Fishermans Bend innovation precinct, an initiative kickstarted with our $180 million government investment and set to support up to 30,000 jobs by 2051 in science, technology, engineering and design.
Victoria’s thriving tech sector already contributes $34 billion to the economy and supports over 306,000 workers, representing 30 per cent of Australia’s tech workforce. Our government’s recently released Victorian Industry Policy and our $240 million commitment in the 2025–26 budget will ensure Victoria remains a leader in future-focused industries, including tech and defence. A visit from Minister Pearson would provide an opportunity to showcase this transformative investment, demonstrate the collaboration potential between government and private industry and reinforce Victoria’s commitment to supporting job growth and industry innovation. I look forward to the minister’s response and the chance to welcome him to my electorate soon to see all of the exciting work that is underway in Albert Park.