I’d like to begin by congratulating the Allan Government on today’s launch of the State Electricity Commission’s Strategic Plan 2023-2025, set to lead Victoria’s renewable energy transition with a focus on supply, homes and people.

The Victorian Chamber is always looking forward and we know workforces are integral to our economic success, which is why we were proud to release our career services policy paper, Boosting Business with Career Services.

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s announcement of a rates increase cast a gloomy shadow over Tuesday's Melbourne Cup celebrations. The decision will impact both businesses and households, exerting additional pressure on those already struggling to make ends meet. The Chamber is cognisant of this strain and we remain committed to supporting and advocating for measures to alleviate the burden on our members.

The WorkCover scheme is broken and no longer fit for purpose. It needs to change in order to survive.

We have been closely engaged with Spring Street this week as the Parliament considers new legislation to overhaul Victoria’s archaic WorkCover scheme. The Victorian Chamber continues to advocate strongly for a fair and sustainable scheme that remains accessible to workers and affordable for businesses.

The Federal Government yesterday announced that more than half a billion dollars’ worth of measures will be dedicated to Australia’s landmark cyber security strategy until 2030, which includes $290.8 million to uplift small and medium businesses, $143 billion to defend critical infrastructure and $129.7 million to build regional cooperation and resilience.

I wanted to ensure you are kept across the WorkCover Bill amendments. We have been working with both the Government and Opposition to ensure they understand a premium increase beyond CPI is not acceptable. We also continue to state that we support necessary changes to make the scheme sustainable. We all need it.

Our final major event of the year - our inspirational Women in Business lunch, featuring a captivating conversation between our brilliant MC, Alicia Loxley, and our distinguished guest, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO - has been the highlight of my week.

I have spent the morning representing the Chamber at the State Parliamentary Inquiry into WorkCover to ensure the views of business are heard.

As the end of the year approaches, most workers will enjoy a break and then set goals for next year.

Growth. It's a concept we need to get familiar with again. It will dominate discussion over the next few years, and so it should.

There’s one recurring question I’ve been asked over recent weeks: “What’s your outlook for 2024?”

The new year brings optimism and hope, and trepidation of what may lie ahead. While current and emerging conditions will continue to challenge our business community, the Victorian Chamber continues to have your back and advocate on your behalf.

It’s great to be back after a summer break, especially to return to the news of so many positive developments and accolades for our members.

I am thrilled to be back on deck after a summer break. While it hasn’t been our usual, hot summer, it was nice to have a break. I managed to spend a few days up on the Murray... the golf was good, the weather was nice, but sadly the river was suffering from the increased water from the rains that flooded the Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers. It’s an excuse to get back up there sooner rather than later though!!

I am proud to announce the release of our 2024-2025 Victorian Budget Submission. This comprehensive document, shaped by extensive industry consultation and survey data, presents 44 policy recommendations.