Victoria was ranked dead last, yet a $60b tech giant just made Melbourne its fastest-growing hub

Victoria’s Business Reputation vs. Tech Growth

The Business Council of Australia has sharply criticized Victoria for heavy regulation and high taxes, arguing the state’s policies constrain economic growth. Despite that, one of the country’s leading tech firms, Atlassian, continues to expand in Melbourne.

Atlassian’s Rapid Expansion in Melbourne

Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes stated that his company has not seen the negative business conditions often cited by other industries. Instead, Melbourne has emerged as Atlassian’s fastest-growing Australian hub, attracting hundreds of new employees across engineering, operations, and design roles.

“We’re growing quickly in Melbourne and love the talent here,” Cannon-Brookes said.

The company credits the city’s strong education system, diverse workforce, and supportive tech community for fueling its success.

Broader Economic Tensions

Victoria has been ranked the least business-friendly state by national surveys, particularly among large corporations and manufacturers. Critics point to complex planning rules, payroll taxes, and what some see as excessive bureaucracy.

State officials, however, emphasize investments in infrastructure and innovation incentives that attract future-focused companies like Atlassian, believing these will offset short-term criticisms.

The Emerging Tech Ecosystem

Melbourne’s growing startup and AI scene continues to attract both domestic and international investment. The city’s universities contribute significantly to research partnerships and provide a steady stream of skilled graduates.

Atlassian’s expansion reflects how the tech sector can thrive even under broader concerns about state policy, marking a shift in how business success is measured beyond traditional industries.

Author summary: Atlassian’s growing Melbourne hub shows that technology firms can prosper in Victoria despite ongoing debate over the state’s regulatory and tax climate.

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The Sydney Morning Herald The Sydney Morning Herald — 2025-11-27

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