"Victoria has extraordinary strengths, but the state has lost competitiveness over recent years as investment has flowed elsewhere," Ms Evans said.
"Too many tax hikes and too much red tape. There isn't a moment to waste. The property industry has the capacity to deliver the new homes, workplaces, industrial precincts and community infrastructure Victoria needs. Restoring industry confidence must be a priority to unlock this investment potential."
Ms Evans said today's leadership change must bring new priorities, not just a new name on the door. That means a renewed focus on tax relief, planning reform and policy certainty to help unlock private investment at a time when Victoria needed it most.
Premier Carroll's most urgent focus must be:
- Establishing a Royal Commission to investigate the allegedly corrupt, criminal, intimidatory and bullying conduct of the CFMEU on Victoria's taxpayer funded infrastructure projects that has reportedly seen the taxpayer bill increased by up to $15 billion.
- Abolishing the Absentee Owner Surcharge on Land Tax that is driving global investment away from new-supply boosting homes, jobs, offices, industrial parks and shopping malls.
- Withdrawing the work from home legislation from the Parliament to boost Victoria's economic recovery, attract investment and create jobs.
"Private investment builds homes, creates jobs and delivers the infrastructure and places our communities rely on," she said.
"If Victoria wants to meet its housing targets, grow the economy and strengthen the state's finances, we need policy settings that encourage investment rather than deterring it. Giving investors confidence to choose Victoria again will have benefits well beyond our industry.
"Our election platform, Best to Invest, outlines practical reforms that can restore Victoria's competitive advantage, attract investment, increase housing supply and support long-term economic growth.
"The opportunity is there to send a clear signal that Victoria is open for investment again - and it must be taken.
"We look forward to working constructively with the new Premier and his government to deliver the reforms Victoria needs to grow its economy, boost housing supply and restore business confidence," Ms Evans said.
