Yesterday's announcement by the Allan Labor Government is yet another piecemeal package that lacks the scale, focus and ambition needed to compete with other Australian states.
In contrast, the New South Wales Innovation Blueprint 2035 sets out a cohesive 10-year strategy to draw $27 billion in new investment and create nearly 100,000 high-value jobs.
Its newly established Investment Delivery Authority is specifically designed to fast-track major tech and data-centre proposals, cut red tape and give investors confidence that New South Wales is open for business.
Victoria should be leading the nation in advanced technology and digital innovation. Instead, under Labor, we are watching a growing investment gap emerge between us and NSW - a gap that threatens our competitiveness, our jobs, and our economic future.
Victoria must pursue a long-term, statewide AI and innovation blueprint, not just comparable to NSW's forward-looking plan, but better than it - with a dedicated investment facilitation body to streamline approvals and attract major tech projects and a genuine commitment to support upskilling Victorian workers in this exciting new industry.
Shadow Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Richard Welch, said: "This is a rushed and underwhelming announcement from a tired Labor Government that doesn't understand AI, has come 5 years too late to the opportunity; and hasn't even begun the work of creating competitive advantage.
"While New South Wales has unveiled a comprehensive, long-term strategy backed by substantial funding to become the country's innovation powerhouse, the Allan Labor Government has flagged spending only $13.6 million on a Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan and limited workforce skill support.
"With Victoria's net debt growing by $2 million an hour, it is clear Labor cannot afford to make a serious commitment to seize the economic opportunity AI presents - leaving all Victorians worse off.
"Labor cannot manage money, and Victorians are paying the price."
