The Victorian Chamber welcomes the State Government’s recommendation for businesses to implement their own mask and working from home arrangements as we deal with the current rise in COVID-19 cases and other illnesses.

The Victorian Government has issued an updated advisory to business and the community on winter COVID-19 settings as Victoria deals with an increase in COVID-19 hospitalisations and other seasonal respiratory including colds and flu.

The end of the financial year is upon us as are the school holidays. It’s great to see so many people travelling again, particularly to our regional areas, and supporting local businesses.

As the recent Federal Election demonstrated, climate is a major focus for many Australians as well as business. Next Tuesday June 21 the Victorian Chamber will present our Why Sustainability is Good for Business breakfast at Crown. It comes as the Centre for Economics and Business Research released its ARCADIS Sustainability Cities Index today and Melbourne’s ranking dropped to #60 from its previous ranking at 56.

As more Victorians balance working at home with the office, wellness and the physical and mental health of employees has never been more important. 

The return to the office in the CBD continues to be a big talking point. We know it's not limited to just Melbourne, as virtually every CBD across the globe is dealing with the challenges of attracting office workers back. 

Winter has certainly made a dramatic entrance, and with rain, icy winds and even snow falling in some areas across Victoria, cases of cold and flu, COVID-19 and other illnesses are continuing to increase which is presenting many challenges for businesses. The State Government’s decision to provide free flu vaccinations to all Victorians aged over six months during June is a timely one.

After six weeks of campaigning, Australians have elected our 31st Prime Minister. The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulates Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their victory and we look forward to a strong and productive relationship with the incoming Federal Government.

Australians will go to the polls this Saturday after what will have been an exhaustive 40-day federal election campaign. A record 4.34 million Victorians will cast their vote, with thousands already having voted through postal voting or one of the early voting centres which opened last week.

The Victorian Budget was announced this week, and I'm sure you will have different views of what it means for you.

I love Melbourne. It’s the best city in the world. But COVID hasn’t been kind to our CBD and it’s becoming more obvious that our recovery is taking longer than we hoped.

The Victorian Chamber has welcomed the State Government’s announcement that most of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted from 11.59pm this Friday, April 22.

I’m sure you are all delighted with today’s State Government announcement on the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions. It’s exactly what Victorian business needs to really get moving with our post-pandemic recovery.

It’s Grand Prix week in Victoria and the excitement and energy is palpable. It will be extra special in 2022 as we remember the dramatic circumstances under which it was cancelled in 2020 when the reality of COVID-19 hit us like a wrecking ball. How far we have come since then as Victorian business continues to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

It’s hard to describe what an incredible feeling it is to finally be able to move around our great state again and enjoy all Regional Victoria has to offer, whether it’s our beautiful towns, beaches, lakes, rivers, wineries, golf courses or restaurants.

The Chamber is working overtime to ensure business remains our number one priority. As we have done right through the pandemic, we are continuing to advocate strongly on behalf of our members with all levels of government in what will be a critical year with both federal and state elections.