Thank you to Jaclyn Symes, Treasurer for Victoria, for once again being our guest for the Annual Treasurer’s Lunch. Members of Committee for Ballarat were treated to a detailed analysis of the State’s economy, the 2026-27 Budget, and the forward forecasts.
The session reminded us that Government is about choices, and whilst we may not always agree with every decision, we gained an insight into the Government’s Fiscal Strategy and the impact its decisions will have on the future of our state.
There was a strong focus on the importance of Government Infrastructure Investment (GII) over the past 10 years, across the state, including the $655m redevelopment of the Ballarat Base Hospital. Treasury figures show the forecast GII will be reduced by almost $10b in 2029-30, compared to its peak in 2023-24.
The Treasurer spoke to new jobs growth and business investment across the state, with a specific focus on Ballarat and the region, as well as some of the Government’s initiatives to relieve cost-of-living stresses.
The Q&A hosted by Emily Sweet, Managing Editor of The Courier, drew frank and direct responses from the Treasurer, including an acknowledgement that the cost of doing business is a genuine concern for many in our business community.