"It will also have to place greater emphasis on pressing ahead with boosting skills development and improving infrastructure", says VECCI Chief Executive Officer, Neil Coulson.

These are the key findings of the recent VECCI Pre-Election Survey.  The survey polled the views of approximately 500 Victorian firms on the main impediments to the performance of their business, with special attention to those areas within the policy responsibility of the Federal Government.

"When asked what was the single most important issue for Victorian business, almost 77 percent of all firms said level of taxation, with the associated costs of complying with the taxation system being rated the third most important issue for business.

"A significant 72 percent identified good economic management as their top priority, citing the need for the next Government to continue to demonstrate responsible fiscal management. 

"Concerns in relation to workers' compensation costs and labour relations issues also dominated the priorities of Victorian business. 

"Reflecting emerging concerns over their capacity to recruit and retain employees with appropriate levels of skills, issues relating to skills development were rated as a priority by 57 percent of respondents.

"Also rated high were concerns in respect of the cost of infrastructure services including telecommunications, transport and energy, suggesting there is scope for Governments to encourage a greater focus on integrated and streamlined infrastructure provision.

"The profile for issues of concern for small business was fairly similar to that of all business.  Where there were differences, smaller firms tended to place greater emphasis on the overall complexity of the tax system (especially in relation to dealing with their Business Activity Statements (BAS) forms) and the level of the Superannuation Guarantee Charge.

"The importance regional employers attached to taxation levels, workers' compensation costs, tax and regulatory compliance and skills development did not differ markedly from the overall survey results and demonstrates a 'commonality of concern' by Victorian business regarding the policy priorities for the next Government of Australia.

"VECCI will be using the survey results in our representations to the major parties during the pre-election period and next term of Government, reinforcing those priorities that need to be addressed to foster continued economic growth and job creation", says Mr Coulson.