The 2022-23 State Budget must enable business to play a leading role in Victoria’s economic recovery according to the Victorian Chamber.

Habits can be hard to break and I’m sure we all felt a bit uncertain last week as office workers started to return after the better part of two years working from home.

‘Building back business’ and ‘building for our future’ are the cornerstones of the Victorian Chamber’s submission to the Australian Government ahead of the 2022-23 Federal Budget.

The State Government is encouraging Victorians to experience the state’s renowned hospitality, tourism and creative industries with more than $100 million in rebates and vouchers, while businesses are also in line for $100 million in stimulus programs.

The Victorian Chamber was honoured to host former United Kingdom Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Theresa May MP, with members and special guests at an exclusive luncheon at the Palladium at Crown.

Did you know that starting a business in Victoria requires operators to navigate more permits and licences than any other state? The time it takes to jump through these regulatory hoops is just one of the costs of doing business in Victoria. The Chamber has listened to our members’ concerns about how these barriers are impacting them and has responded with this comprehensive report that provides the first benchmarking exercise of its kind in Australia.

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.

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.

As Victoria emerges from COVID-19, the State Government has bolstered the confidence of organisers of creative, sporting, business and community events to plan and stage events with an interruption insurance scheme and restart package.

Australia really is the lucky country. We are spoilt with some of the most beautiful landscapes and natural environments in the world. From beaches to snowfields, mountains to desert, we have it all.

The Victorian Chamber is seeking to secure better business conditions for our members in the tourism, accommodation and events sectors. Have your say by completing our quick, 10-minute survey and help us develop a viable vision for Victoria's visitor economy.

The Victorian Government announced the first allocation of funding as part of the $10 million Enabling Tourism Fund to inject vital support into Victoria’s struggling visitor economy.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder and, I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a time when lockdowns are gone and we get back to enjoying the Victoria that we love.

Welcome to the August edition of Chief Executive Paul Guerra's monthly regional column - covering issues, news and developments important to Victoria’s regional businesses.

The State and Federal Governments have jointly announced a further $2.32 billion in financial support for Victorian businesses struggling during Lockdown Six.

Not since September 11, 2001, has Melbourne Airport faced such capricious circumstances in which to operate. Lyell Strambi explains how the business is navigating the storm.