The political landscape is changing. Your commercial pipeline could be next.

The Victorian Government's decision to find $2 billion in savings from the Suburban Rail Loop is a timely lesson for every business working with government.

Priorities are shifting. Procurement is changing. Projects that once looked settled are being reviewed, reshaped or delayed. Some works will be cut. Agencies will be merged. The Opposition has also committed to pausing and reviewing the project if elected.

The lesson is simple: contracts are not secure.

Preferred bidder status is not a guarantee. A strong relationship with the current government is not enough. And waiting until after the election to build relationships with the Opposition may be too late. A new Premier brings new priorities. A new government changes funding, procurement, project scope and entire commercial pipelines.

Engaging with the Opposition is not about taking sides. It is about making sure the people who may form the next government understand:

• the value your business delivers;
• the jobs, investment and capability you bring to Victoria;
• the consequences of delaying, changing or cancelling procurement;
• the importance of existing commitments; and
• the opportunities your business can support under different policy settings.

For business, the priority is clear: secure contracts where possible, strengthen the case for projects already in the pipeline and build relationships now.

Victoria goes to the polls on 28 November 2026. The lesson from the Suburban Rail Loop is that businesses cannot afford to wait.

The time to protect your commercial position is today.

Contact Stratagem Corporate Advisory to build a clear pre-election, caretaker and post-election strategy.

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Originally published on LinkedIn, 31 August 2026.

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