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.

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.

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.

In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, businesses need to foster a resilient workplace through effective and resourceful leadership. Take your leadership skills to the next level with the Victorian Chamber’s extensive catalogue of training courses.

Over the past 12 months business scams have surged, with a significant increase in email scams. Westpac data shows the average loss for these is around four times higher than other scams, which can have a devasting impact on businesses and their customers.

The Victorian Government is inviting the tourism industry to help shape the future of Victoria’s visitor economy.

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.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas MP has praised business for the resilience it has shown as the state emerges from the pandemic and embarks on economic recovery.

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

As we know, it’s been a challenging two years for many businesses in Victoria. The good news is there is a range of assistance available through various State or Commonwealth programs to help your business as we move out of the pandemic.

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.

Small and medium businesses should take steps to ensure their IT systems are secure after the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) and international partners warned IT service providers of attacks targeting them and their customer networks.

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.

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.

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. 

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is inviting you to have your say to help boost employment opportunities for Victoria’s youth.