"Tim is a good friend of Ararat and recognises the importance of road and rail transport in the region," Mr McGlone said.

"Remember - he signed off on the project to duplicate the Western Highway as the Minister for Roads and Ports in the previous Labor Government."

The Shadow Treasurer visited Ararat to discuss Labor's Back to Work Plan, including the $200 million Regional Jobs Fund and the $200 million Future Industries Fund.

During the visit Mr Pallas caught up with local manufacturer AME Systems and was taken on a tour of the factory.

"I was most impressed with the high level of skill, the innovative nature of the company and the firm's commitment to staff development and the local community," Mr Pallas said.

Mr Pallas also met with the chief executive officers and senior staff of Ararat and Northern Grampians councils. The CEOs took the opportunity to outline the challenges faced in their municipalities including infrastructure needs, the importance of certainty with regard to the Renewable Energy Target and specific projects for which they are seeking funding.

The next stop was a round table with representatives from business organisations and employers. Central Grampians LLEN, StawellBiz, Ararat Regional Business Association, Gason, EGHS were among those who participated.

Mr Pallas briefed the group on the Back to Work Act that will establish a $100 million fund for payroll tax relief to companies who hire unemployed young people, the long-term unemployed and retrenched workers.

"Labor has developed this program to help the young people in our towns who are being left behind because they can't find jobs," Mr McGlone said.

"I know how important job opportunities are from representing these young people in court when they have been failed by the system.

"Labor's Back to Work Plan will help young people, retrenched workers and long-term unemployed people. It will also help businesses, ensuring economic growth in rural and regional Victoria."