Yesterday we celebrated International Women’s Day, a global event marking the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and amplifying the call for diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces.

The Victorian Chamber encourages members to explore SME Connect, an initiative from national science agency CSIRO, which connects local small-to-medium businesses with Australia's research sector and facilitates innovation-driven partnerships through funding, support and resources.

Great news this week with several positive developments to set us on a cracking pace for our state’s COVID-19 recovery.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is elated by today’s announcement that the State Government’s ‘strong recommendation’ to work or study from home will be removed, while masks will no longer be needed in most indoor settings as of 11:59pm on Friday, 25 February 2022.

The State Government is dropping the ‘strong recommendation’ that Victorians work from home, while masks will no longer be needed in offices and most other indoor settings, following the latest update to Pandemic Orders.

The State Government has eased several restrictions around density limits, QR check-ins and surveillance testing, with changes to office settings flagged, but yet to be formalised.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes the State Government’s decision to change a number of COVID-19 restrictions in a move that will assist in boosting business but we are frustrated that the State Government is yet to give the green light for workers to begin returning to the office safely.

The Victorian Chamber was pleased to partner with Crown Melbourne on business recovery webinars designed to help regional businesses bounce back following consecutive lockdowns and sparse tourism.

The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce legislation that will make COVID-19 testing expenses tax deductible for individuals and businesses when used to attend a place of work.

It’s the report that you helped us create, and one that might well sharpen the focus on what Victoria needs to do to be the best state to operate a business in. I’m very proud of to release the Cost and Ease of Doing Business in Victoria Taskforce Report.

The Victorian Chamber, in partnership with the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR), is proud to today announce the winners of the inaugural Victorian COVIDSafe Business Awards.

The Victorian Chamber applauds National Cabinet’s decision to reopen Australia's borders to all double-vaccinated visa holders on February 21, following an announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

If you were lucky enough to get in a break over the school holidays, you would have noticed the crippling effect that Covid-19 is having on our small businesses across the state.

Welcome to our first edition of Victorian Chamber News for 2022. We know that staff shortages, supply chain issues, isolation requirements, density limits and lack of accessibility to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) continue to cause difficulty and stress and the Victorian Chamber team is working hard to ensure your voices are heard and practical solutions can be found.

In efforts to address current workforce shortages due to COVID-19 and aid Australia’s economic recovery, the Australian Government has amended visa conditions for student and working holiday makers.

Regulations that previously required WorkSafe to be notified if an employee, contractor or a contractor's employee received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and had attended the workplace within their infectious period have been removed.