Victoria's economy is forecast to recover quicker than any other state or territory, despite suffering the worst downturn in Australia due to its second coronavirus wave.
The Deloitte Access Economics quarterly business outlook, released on Monday, forecasts the Victorian economy will grow 5.3 per cent in 2021, outpacing Queensland (4.6 per cent) and NSW (4.4 per cent).
"Victoria's recovery to date has been remarkable. Few at the height of the second wave could have envisaged Victoria would begin 2021 in such a favourable position," the report says.
The state's labour market also bounced back fasted than Deloitte first anticipated, with employment increasing 4.8 per cent in the two months to November.
Participation, meanwhile, has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
"While risks remain, including the end of JobKeeper and other business support, as well as the continued effect of international border closures, these figures are strikingly positive," the report says.
"Fears that Victoria's workers would suffer long-term scarring have subsequently eased."
The report notes Victoria's economy shrunk at twice the pace of the next-worst state in 2020, meaning its recovery "largely reflects the depth of its decline".
The state was forced into a second lockdown in July, lasting 112 days, after coronavirus escaped hotel quarantine and spread into the community, killing hundreds.
There was fierce criticism of the lockdown, including the imposition of a curfew and a 5km travel limit, at the time.
The report, however, says it was a mistake to declare the approach of one state as being better or worse than another.
"That's a mug's game. And it misses the important point: that a glance at international developments underscores that all of Australia has been a standout success relative to our global peers," the report says.
Treasurer Tim Pallas said the Deloitte report reinforced the government's coronavirus strategy.
"It shows how important our strategy of driving case numbers down and opening up has been to getting our economy going again," he said in a statement.
"Jobs will remain front and centre in our recovery plans as we continue to invest in employment support across Victoria, together with our record pipeline of infrastructure projects."
Premier Daniel Andrews said every Victorian should feel confident in the state's economic recovery.
"2021 is going to be a very different year than 2020," he said.
Australian Associated Press
