Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:50): Under the Allan Labor government, Victoria is becoming a state of blockers, not builders; protesters, not producers; regulators, not innovators. We once built cars and homes. Now, if retail can stay open, we are pouring lattes and spreading avocado on toast. While the south-east manufacturing output exceeds Western Sydney and South Australia, its title as the nation’s manufacturing powerhouse wanes. Deloitte Access Economics says that the south-east faces several pressing threats that could constrain its future progress. Industrial land shortages, skills shortages, freight bottlenecks and rising energy costs are real and present dangers. We cannot have a workforce that is armed with degrees that are becoming worthless when we have no job-ready skills. Expanded access to industry internships would guarantee high-skilled employment for high school students. Increased capacity on our arterial roads, highways and rail corridors would ensure goods are transported productively. If it had any sense, the government would leave Spring Street and join me in a meeting with industry leaders, local governments, Greater South East Melbourne and South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance. They would immediately strip layers of red and white tape that lead to additional input and costs. We will launch a review to be – (Time expired)