Victoria's economic prospects?
The COVID crisis has been disastrous for Victoria.
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Its business plan, dependent on providing people services and accommodation for an ever increasing population has been stopped in its tracks.
The sudden cessation of net overseas migration has threatened this model.
With the state's business model under threat you might imagine it would be receptive to alternative strategies including making things for export or domestic consumption.
Apparently not.
Treasurer Pallas in the recent budget reminded us more and more things will be made locally with Victoria's history as a leader in manufacturing.
It indicated "a transformational shift has seen the industry embracing new technologies, high tech skills and new global connections providing a strong platform for growth".
On closer examination these declarations have no substance.
Victoria's industry policy is a mirage.
Just $189 million is allocated to promote business investment in Victoria, and another $60 million to invest in a Industry Development Fund to encourage re-shoring of manufacturing.
COVID highlighted Australia's lack of manufacturing capacity. It has exposed our dependence on imports; eg, vital medical supplies etc.
Calls for a greater degree of industrial reliance have gone unheeded.
The Victorian government lacks a definite policy to sell manufactured goods either into the domestic or international market place.
It appears devoid of any Ministers with industry backgrounds and any interest in advanced manufacturing.
Time to promptly call for advice from expert industrialists to help set an industry strategy.
Michael McKenzie, Strathdale
Hybrid has its hassles
It is logically absurd for the federal government to argue that hybrid electric vehicles have a useful role as a bridge to the take up of fully electric vehicles.
Hybrids offer a slight improvement in efficiency at the cost of much added complexity, with all the drawbacks of a traditional petrol vehicle.
By contrast, fully electric vehicles are radically simpler because there are many less moving parts and in turn much less that can go wrong.
Typically, servicing requires only that you check the fluids and tyre pressure.
With the majority of car manufacturers now signaling a major shift to electric vehicles, Australia risks becoming a technology backwater under the maladministration of the present leadership and their abject failure to support the shift to clean energy.
Patrick Hockey, Castlemaine
Tell us what you think for the chance to win a prize
Each week, our Letter of the Week will win its author a $30 Coles voucher.
This week's winner is Annette Gerry, from Kennington, for her letter published Wednesday, February 3.
All letters must include the author's name, address and phone number.
Please send submissions to addynews@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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