Allan’s hand-picked business council on ice after 18 months, chair quietly moved on

Jacinta Allan’s carefully curated Premier’s Business Council, designed to serve as a bridge between the Victorian government and the private sector, appears to have effectively dissolved after nearly two years of operation. According to multiple reports, the council—which was established in December 2024—has not convened at all in 2026, despite being intended to meet regularly with the premier. The council's former chair, Ahmed Fahour, has been replaced by Allan herself, marking a significant shift in how the government engages with the business community. This change comes amid growing tensions between the Labor-led government and business leaders, particularly around the controversial work-from-home laws introduced earlier in 2025.

The council originally consisted of 15 prominent figures from various sectors, including corporate executives, industry leaders, and public officials. Among them were Gurner Group’s chief executive Ahmed Fahour, National Australia Bank’s Andrew Irvine, AFL boss Andrew Dillon, and billionaire Visy Industries chairman Anthony Pratt. These individuals were chosen for their influence and expertise, with the aim of providing the premier with direct input on policy decisions affecting the economy. At the time of its launch, Allan emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that the council would ensure "government and business are working together for the benefit of our whole state."

However, the council’s effectiveness seems to have waned significantly. Sources close to the organization confirm that it has not met at all during the current fiscal year, holding only four sessions with the premier since its inception. A confidential source noted that the council officially concluded its role as a formal advisory body by the end of 2025, transitioning instead to a more informal setup. Despite efforts to maintain communication, there is currently no confirmed meeting date for the upcoming informal session, which was initially planned for last month but ultimately canceled.

The decision to dissolve the formal structure of the council coincides with the rollout of the Labor government’s work-from-home policies, which have sparked considerable backlash from the business community. Many large corporations argue that such regulations are unnecessary, as most workplaces already offer flexible arrangements. Legal experts predict a surge in disputes over the scope of remote work, raising concerns about the potential economic impact. Members of the council reportedly voiced their opposition to these measures, offering their insights when consulted, though they were not publicly aligned with the government’s stance.

The council’s final formal interactions with the premier occurred in late 2025, as recorded in her official schedule. Throughout the year, the council met with Allan on a quarterly basis, while additional meetings took place with Fahour and other members, including Reserve Bank deputy chair Carol Schwartz. The last documented meeting involving the council was with Schwartz in December 2025, following which there has been no further contact regarding business-related matters.

Among the other notable members of the council were Mike Schneider, managing director of Bunnings; Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece; and Professor Sharon Pickering, vice-chancellor of Monash University. Additional participants included Bihong Wang, president of the Asian Australian Business Association Whitehorse, and Carolyn Viney, CEO of the housing development firm Assemble. The diverse composition of the council aimed to represent a wide array of interests within the Victorian economy, from manufacturing and retail to education and media.

As the council moves toward an informal format, it remains unclear whether the government will continue engaging with its members in a less structured manner. With the political climate shifting and the focus turning toward legislative challenges, the future of this advisory body—and its role in shaping policy—remains uncertain. For now, the absence of regular meetings suggests a strategic retreat from the collaborative model that was initially envisioned.