Australia’s peak mining and exploration body has called for immediate government intervention to revive Victoria’s resources sector, warning that the state is lagging well behind rival jurisdictions after years of policy neglect.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) welcomed the appointment of Jaclyn Symes as Victoria’s new Resources Minister, but urged the returning minister to implement sweeping structural reforms to rebuild investor confidence and streamline project approvals.
Symes, who previously held the resources portfolio between November 2018 and August 2021, takes on the role alongside responsibilities for the State Electricity Commission, Climate Action and Environment.
AMEC CEO Warren Pearce stated that the ministerial reshuffle must mark a decisive turning point for Victorian policy, criticising previous governments for offering the sector “plenty of acknowledgment but precious little action”.
“Victoria’s exploration and mining industry has been treated as an afterthought for far too long,” Pearce said.
“To date, there has been no serious agenda to attract investment, accelerate mineral discoveries, or bring new projects into production.
”Opportunities have been lost and investment confidence weakened so badly that Victoria is miles off the pace compared to other Australian jurisdictions competing for the same dollars.”
AMEC noted that Victoria’s exploration and mining industry has lacked a serious policy agenda to attract investment, accelerate mineral discoveries and bring new projects into production.
Given Symes’ previous tenure in the portfolio, AMEC highlighted that there should be no need for a lengthy familiarisation period before delivering practical reforms.
The industry group announced plans to release its 2026 Victorian Election Platform, detailing key policy recommendations to accelerate mineral discoveries and support project development ahead of the state vote.
Pearce emphasised that with fresh leadership across government, Victoria has a vital window of opportunity to restore its competitive edge and unlock long-term economic benefits for Victorians.
“With new leadership, there is the opportunity to make big changes, and nothing less will suffice.”
