A Victorian Road Map we can all get behind

Have you ever spent a moment, a day, an evening with a person who has made a special mark on your life? A person whose presence was so significant you’ve been sharing the experience with anyone willing to listen over the years since?

Well, my father had exactly such an encounter in 1994. It was Bowens’ centenary year, enjoyed by over a thousand people in the grand ballroom of Leonda By the Yarra. While it was a tough trading period for the industry and Bowens, particularly, there was no way dad wasn’t going to mark the achievement with a special event. To enrich the occasion Victoria’s newly minted Premier was a special invitee. Mr Kennett praised the company with his words, toured a special exhibit built specifically for the celebration and shook the hands of almost every guest. Across the night he was shadowed by our Managing Director of the time. In a special presentation he gladly accepted a specially minted ‘golden’ tape measure and left us all feeling better for his presence.

Dad has regularly recited many stories from the evening, with his affection for Mr Kennett’s attendance a pivotal feature. In fact, I think the old man has harboured secret thoughts of our little event playing a part in launching the combative period of the Premier’s subsequent years in office.

Fast forward to more recent times when dad was introduced to Mr Kennett, again. Once the pleasantries were put aside, Bowens’ now chairman slipped into the conversation a few references to the dazzling festivities held thirty years ago. To my father’s horror, Jeff had no recollection. And of the ‘priceless’ retractable ruler? It remains a feature in his toolbox, despite him not having any idea of its origin.

Around the same time of dad’s emotionless rejection, I listened to Mr Kennett speak at a white tablecloth lunch. Like my father, I have verbally shared the experience several times since.

While at the lectern Mr Kennett was asked what he would do if given the chance to lead Australia in these modern times. His answer was typically forthright. The world’s population is growing, he observed, and our land is vast, we should be aiming to feed a billion people. With the nation focussed on this single aim, he claims supportive actions would follow. There would be a need to invest in water storage and distribution, ports, rail, larger towns in regional areas, more university students learning to work across the Asian continent … the list was long, all in support of the original dream – to become a food bowl for our northern neighbours. 

While it is very likely Mr Kennett would not recall ‘my lunch’, it matters little. My own, enthusiastic reflections are more about the power a strong vision creates, than the idea itself. By setting the nation on a specific course, citizens, businesses and investments would fall in line. Conceivably, people of all political persuasions would see the sense and be prepared to play their part (I can hope). In managerial speak, we would ‘all be swimming in the same direction’.

“My own, enthusiastic reflections are more about the power a strong vision creates, than the idea itself.”

With this as my inspiration, I read with interest an article in The Australian on Saturday, 22 February. Eric Johnston outlined a plan for Victoria; I hope the ladies and gentlemen of Spring Street were listening (reading). The title didn’t do a lot (“Only a recession can make a ‘ruthless’ Victoria great again”), but things quickly improved. As it was with Mr Kennett, the motivation was immediate.

None of us need to be reminded of the vast challenges our state is facing down. The overspending and ballooning bureaucracy … it’s heartbreaking. Sitting still, however, won’t solve it and nothing will change without making a change. Populism and defensive tactics are not the answer; I favour the road map offered by Mr Johnston, it’s one we can all get behind.

He summarises the opportunities in the following way: “Victoria has a greater competitive advantage across four world-class exports than any other state. And unlike iron ore or coal, these mines won’t run dry. Rather, they are built around people resources. All that’s needed is a long-term determination to lean into them.”

He suggests Victoria’s world-class opportunities lie between the ears of its constituents. The first of these being formal education. “(It) is already the state’s biggest export, generating about $15bn in annual income.” The experts suggest our universities are world class, with the right support further growth is easily attained. One of our largest learning institutions already has a campus in a major Asian city, others will follow.

Technology was his second proposition. Strong financial performers such as REA, Carsales and SEEK were Melbourne start-ups around the turn of the century and a tech ‘hub’ has been building for some time now in Cremorne. Other technology focussed, established businesses such as Telstra, ANZ and NAB are also based in our state’s capital. With a push, how much more could be achieved?

Johnston’s third initiative, Healthcare, “… is a no-brainer.” CSL, a world class performer, has its roots here and with a billion dollar research budget they are already a substantial contributor. There are other important players close by and while the vision of building a medical employment precinct around the newly constructed Arden train station has been discarded, the hope remains.

The final opportunity identified in the article stems from the opportunities large scale capital management can deliver. Melbourne houses the majority of Australia’s largest superannuation businesses, with the Future Fund also located in Collins Street. Think of the returns to be achieved if a Victorian Premier can convince them to invest in local businesses, rather than casting their eyes beyond our shores?

Again, while a well-founded idea is important, it is the process of creating a farsighted dream that draws me in. Set a positive goal, explain the simple processes required to meet it and the populous will get on board. Repeat the themes again and again, and watch the collective enthusiasm build. We have been starved of optimistic leadership and the benefits a strong vision can provide.

“Set a positive goal, explain the simple processes required to meet it and the populous will get on board”

Mr Kennett charmed my father and I in different ways, 25 years apart; his influence won’t be forgotten. My own experience revealed a need to see our political leaders set a bold course. Forget the he-said / she-said bickering, set the plan and invest in its implementation. For dad: well, he’s waiting for a third meeting to straighten out his hero’s memory.