Victorian Industry Policy

We will improve skilled workforce alignment with current and future industry needs, and increase overall workforce agility, diversity, resilience and inclusion.

A more agile, inclusive, and industry-aligned workforce that meets the evolving needs of the Victorian economy requires stronger connections between education, training and industry. This will address skill needs and unlock new opportunities for Victoria’s key industry sectors.

To meet ambitious energy and housing goals, there is a unique opportunity to reshape perceptions around industries like construction and manufacturing, attracting fresh talent to fuel future growth. With workforce development programs tailored for critical areas, fulfilling career pathways are being created for young people and mid-career workers alike.

Embedding industry input in training programs builds a workforce with adaptable skills, ready to thrive in sectors with high demand. To maximise workforce participation, efforts are focused on expanding access to childcare, especially in regional areas, and removing structural barriers that affect underrepresented groups, including women and Aboriginal Victorians. These steps will enrich businesses by bringing people with broad experiences and diverse backgrounds into priority sectors.

We will grow our existing industrial base by supporting skills, and applied innovation, and improving the cost and ease of doing business, which will safeguard essential capability and unlock economic growth.

By providing industry with the right conditions, skills and tools is essential to driving growth and fostering global competitiveness.

A renewed focus on innovation and technology adoption, and associated skills will maintain essential industry capability and unlock new strategic industry development opportunities.

For many years, Victoria’s economic growth has been supported by population growth and workforce participation. It is now time to focus on boosting productivity to create the foundation for sustainable, long‑term economic growth. Industry has a key role to play in solving this challenge.

This renewed approach will create a vibrant and innovative business landscape, doubling down on Victoria’s status as the nation’s leading state for investment, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

We will develop new industries aligned with evolving high-impact technologies, Victoria’s existing comparative advantages and national priorities.

By advancing and adopting emerging technologies, Victorian industry is well-positioned to drive future growth and enhance economic complexity. Our unique strengths organically align with Commonwealth Government objectives, such as national security and supply chain resilience.

Victoria’s shift toward circular production also presents an exciting opportunity for industry to innovate and boost resource efficiency. While this transformation requires complex cross industry collaboration, it opens doors to sustainable growth and productivity gains across the state.

With deep skills and expertise in design, engineering, and business services, Victoria can continue to lead as the nation’s knowledge capital – the destination where emerging industries are shaped by ideas, not just inputs.

A coordinated approach will help to strengthen areas where Victoria already holds a competitive edge to secure a robust future for Victoria’s economy.

We will ensure affordable and reliable energy supply so Victorian industry remains globally competitive as we transition to net zero.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring stable and consistent electricity and gas supply for industry throughout the energy transition. We are fast-tracking approvals for new gas projects, preserving supply for industry and calling on the Commonwealth Government to establish a national domestic gas reservation.

Industry support to adopt clean and efficient technologies will also help to sustain significant economic activity, including production of critical components as we progress through the energy transition. This will reduce Victoria’s emissions as we head towards net zero by 2045, helping to ensure that Victoria’s industries not only thrive but lead in a net zero emissions national and global economy.

Victoria’s gas-using industrial sectors have tremendous potential for innovation and progress in the journey towards net zero emissions, including from hydrogen and biomethane. While current technological and commercial challenges exist, addressing these proactively will pave the way for a stronger, more sustainable industrial landscape. Until renewable energy options are commercialised at scale, reliable and affordable conventional gas and electricity supply will be needed as we transition towards net zero.