With the State election now coming into view, we are delighted to launch the Victorian Chamber’s 2022 State Election Platform, Powering Victoria’s Future.

There was no better way to kickstart spring than having the State Government lift the work-from-home recommendations and the introduction of shorter isolation requirements for COVID-positive patients and those in low-risk settings.

Well, it’s been quite a week! Today is the start of the Federal Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra.

I don’t know about you, but it does seem like there is a lot going on at the moment. I’ve been to a fantastic meeting with members in Mildura, and also managed to get to Canberra and back for a series of meetings with the Australian Chamber in the lead up to the Jobs and Skills Summit.

Greetings from Mildura up on the mighty Murray River where I’m meeting with businesses as part of our series of regional roundtable meetings. It’s been great to get out on the road and engage with members to hear more about the issues impacting business across Victoria.

It’s been a challenging winter, but the end is finally approaching. The days are getting longer and warmer and the AFL Finals, Spring Racing Carnival, Royal Melbourne Show and school holidays are just around the corner. How good will it be to have them back!

Pass the baton because we are ready! If you’ve been watching the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as enthusiastically as I have, it’s clear that the 2026 Games in Victoria offer massive opportunities for the State that we love.

This week, the Victorian Chamber hosted our first Chamber Change event to celebrate the commencement of our pilot women in business program.

Welcome to the first edition of our new Business First format! I hope you enjoy the content, which we have tailored to your selected interests and preferences. As always, we’d love your feedback.

The chronic nationwide worker shortage is the biggest obstacle to Australia’s economic recovery. In a globally competitive environment, we need to make sure Australia is renowned as a great place to work, build a career and base your business.

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 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.

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.