James Beeson, CEO of working capital provider Earlypay, said the cost of doing business in Victoria is increasingly standing out compared to other states, with higher state taxes, charges and compliance demands adding to the burden. “Put bluntly, Victorian small businesses are doing it tough,” said Mr Beeson. Despite these commitments, the Business Council’s analysis suggests Victoria needs more substantial reform to improve its competitive position. For businesses operating nationally, the Regulation Rumble report highlights significant variation in costs and compliance across jurisdictions. Thresholds vary from $1 million in Victoria and Western Australia to $2.5 million in the Northern Territory.