The Victorian Government has announced the establishment of the Premier’s Business Council as an initiative to bolster Victoria’s economic growth and innovation.
Indian-Australian entrepreneur and cultural leader Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, Founder and Director of Mind Blowing Films, has been named among the distinguished members of the Council. Her inclusion highlights the growing recognition of the Indian-Australian community’s contributions to the state’s business and cultural landscape.
Premier Jacinta Allan unveiled the Premier’s Business Council as a forum to foster direct engagement between government and business leaders.
Speaking on the initiative, Premier Allan said,
“I want to embed a true partnership with business at the centre of Government – ensuring that when we make decisions, we’re making them with economic growth and investment as the foundation.”
The Council, chaired by Ahmed Fahour AO, will comprise representatives from various sectors including finance, education, manufacturing, the arts, and media. Members will collaborate with the government to strengthen Victoria’s economy, address real-time challenges, and explore innovative policy solutions.
These members are:
- Andrew Dillon, CEO of the AFL
- Andrew Irvine, CEO of National Australia Bank
- Anthony Pratt, Chairman of Visy
- Bihong Wang, President of the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Inc.
- Carol Schwartz AO, Chair of Equity Trustees and Our Community, Director of Trawalla Group, Member of Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia
- Carolyn Viney, CEO of Assemble
- Elizabeth Lewis-Gray, Co-Founder and Chair of Gekko Systems
- Lisa Barron OAM, Founder of Lisa Barron, Melbourne Made Womenswear Designer
- Mark Mentha, Co-Founder and Partner at KordaMentha
- Mike Schneider, CEO of Bunnings
- Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, Founder and Director of Mind Blowing Films
- Nick Reece, Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne
- Penny Fowler, Chair of Royal Botanical Gardens, Tourism Australia and the Good Friday Appeal
- Professor Sharon Pickering, Vice-Chancellor and President at Monash University
Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, a trailblazer in film distribution and cultural exchange, is celebrated for her role in promoting Indian cinema and fostering cross-cultural understanding through her Melbourne-based company, Mind Blowing Films. Under her leadership, the company has brought Indian films to Australian audiences, bridging gaps and celebrating diversity.
In addition to her business achievements, Lange has been a driving force behind the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), one of the largest Indian film festivals outside India. Her efforts have not only amplified India’s cultural footprint in Australia but have also positioned Victoria as a hub for multicultural engagement.
Expressing her excitement about joining the Council, Lange stated, “I am very honoured and delighted to be working with the Premier and some of Australia’s most incredible business leaders in the Premier’s Business Council.”
“Victoria is truly a state of innovation and ambition, and I am excited to be a part of it,”
She added
The Premier’s Business Council aims to:
- Provide insights into opportunities and barriers facing businesses.
- Ensure government policies are effective and responsive.
- Explore ways businesses can contribute to broader societal objectives.
- Communicate the government’s economic agenda to the business community.
Ahmed Fahour AO, Chair of the Council, emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying,
“This is an important step towards strengthening the economic prosperity of Victoria. The opportunity to bring business and government together will encourage meaningful exchanges and help Victoria rise as the fastest-growing state.”
Lange’s inclusion in the Council reflects the Victorian Government’s commitment to recognizing and leveraging the diverse contributions of its multicultural communities. Her unique perspective, shaped by years of fostering cross-cultural collaborations, is expected to bring valuable insights into the state’s economic and creative sectors.
As the Council prepares for its inaugural meeting in the new year, the government’s vision of a resilient and inclusive Victorian economy takes another step forward. The collaborative efforts of business leaders like Lange will play a crucial role in achieving this vision, ensuring Victoria remains a beacon of innovation and growth.
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