Local businesses can network with UK counterparts in Melbourne as the British Consulate brings together a cohort of some of its most innovative tech businesses looking for Australian connections.

Following feedback that a current lack of adequate career services is having a negative impact on the labour market, the Victorian Chamber has devised 29 recommendations to improve the future of careers services nationally.

Following extensive consultation with members and stakeholders, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released its Careers Services Policy Paper, entitled “Boosting Business with Career Services”. It puts forward 29 recommendations that would improve the future of careers services, both in Victoria and Australia-wide.

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 Government has launched a new report that charts Victoria’s skills and training sector over the next three years.

You would be aware the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival took place on Sunday, with over 40,000 participants raising more than $1.5 million for charity. I am proud to report that the Victorian Chamber had a dedicated team of athletes, from the 5km run to the full marathon. In a late decision, due to an illness with one of our registered team members, I joined in the 5km run, and can report it was a fantastic experience. And my hamstrings are almost back to normal!

The Victorian and Federal Governments have signed a five-year National Skills Agreement (NSA) for national cooperation and strategic investment into Victoria’s vocational education and training (VET) sector.

For young and diverse people, getting a foot in the door can be a difficult process. But in a skills shortage, investing in youth and diversity is a proven solution to these problems.

On Tuesday we had the privilege of partnering with the Herald Sun to host our second annual “Future Victoria” lunch at Crown Melbourne’s spectacular Aviary event space.

Analysis of skills shortages in Australia shows that 36 per cent of assessed occupations (332 out of 916) were in national shortage in 2023, five per cent higher than the year before.

The Victorian Chamber is supporting regional Victoria through the State Government’s Business Groups Flood Recovery Grant. 

It was wonderful to start the week with a call from our new Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan bright and early at 8.15am.

I want to extend my congratulations to Victoria’s new Premier, Jacinta Allan and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. Their appointment is fantastic news for the business community, and we have longstanding and productive relationships with both. I am delighted that they will be tasked with taking our State forward. I know they are both up for the challenge and I know they both are acutely aware of what business – all of you – contribute to our great State.

The Australian Government has released an employment White Paper that provides a roadmap of actions being taken, and further reform required, to support the Australian labour market into the future.

The Australia Africa Chamber of Commerce (AACC) has confirmed the inaugural Australia Africa Business Summit in Melbourne will be postponed until next year.

Some of you will have been involved in our Housing Taskforce, which is nearing completion. On Tuesday I had an opinion piece published in the Herald Sun which highlights what we have heard during the extensive consultation.