Part 5/10:
Katsenbanis attributed this to broader issues such as Melbourne’s reputation as a “protest capital,” as well as other social problems like potholes, youth crime, and violent attacks. The high vacancy rate sends a negative signal to investors and businesses, potentially hindering economic recovery and growth.
She criticized the Victorian government’s policy of mandating that employees work remotely at least two days a week. This move, she argued, could threaten future investment and urban vitality. Despite legal constraints—since Victoria handed over its industrial relations powers to the federal government three decades ago—government figures like Justinta Allen are pushing ideas that might not have legal authority but could nonetheless influence public sentiment.