The negatives outweigh the positive initiatives for business in the Victorian State Budget 2023-24 released today, with medium and large businesses and multiple property owners facing increased costs to repay State debt.

Treasurer of Victoria Tim Pallas told Victorian Chamber guests that the 2023/24 Victorian Budget was “a really difficult budget” but was confident of the path ahead for business in the State.

Running a business can be challenging enough without employee issues arising but many employers will need to address a performance or conduct matter at some stage.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas handed down the State Budget on Tuesday afternoon and I’m sure many of you went straight to how it would impact your business, positive or negative.

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) recently announced a Small Business Lodgement Amnesty Program to allow businesses to bring outstanding tax returns and business activity statements (BAS) up-to-date.

The Victorian Government has released a strategic plan to shape the future of the State’s visitor economy over the next 10 years.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has criticised an employer’s ‘tick and flick’ approach to social media and standards policy training after one employee’s dismissal was overturned and another’s upheld for various social media contraventions.

Doherty Institute research has backed an Australian garlic producer’s COVID-19 and flu-fighting garlic variety that demonstrates 99.9 per cent efficacy.

Youth Activating Youth (YAY) and Victorian Chamber teamed up with Jobs Victoria on an internship program to tackle the skills shortage while empowering multicultural youth in the jobs market.

In 2022, Australians reported losses of more than $80 million to scams initiated on social media alone, up from reported losses of $56 million in 2021 and $27 million in 2020.

The Australian Government’s latest data reveals skills shortages remain across many sectors and in regional areas. If your business needs to fill its skills gap and future-proof its workforce, the Victorian Chamber can help through a range of training programs, staffing solutions, workplace support and more.

It was great to catch up with the Agent General Victoria to China, Brett Stephens earlier in the week to discuss the investment, sourcing and exporting opportunities for Victorian businesses. I certainly heard the optimism from Brett about what the opening can mean for business in our State, and we will be looking to progress that once Brett returns to China next week.

The Victorian Government has announced vehicle registration will be free for eligible apprentices from July 1, 2023.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has increased award and minimum rates of pay by 5.75 per cent from 1 July 2023.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulates Monash University Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AC, who the Premier today announced will be appointed the 30th Governor of Victoria.

Eligible Victorian cafes, restaurants and food manufacturing businesses will no longer need to undertake compliance programs following a regulatory change announced by the Victorian Government.