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.

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

The Inquiry into the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (WorkCover Scheme Modernisation) Bill 2023 has shed light on critical concerns surrounding the proposed changes, with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry playing a pivotal role in advocating for the interests of businesses across the state.

This year the Victorian Chamber released a careers campaign addressing a lack of adequate career services for students, graduates and workers in Australia.

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

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.

From struggling to attend primary school to now thriving in the workplace, 2023 Victorian Trainee of the Year Rebecca Hope is paving the way for youth and disability employment.

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.

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.

A new initiative created with input from the Victorian Chamber is providing a platform for industry to co-design training with TAFEs and dual-sector universities.

Melbourne Chamber member Yarra Trams’ operator Keolis Downer is linking with North Melbourne Football Club on providing pathways for women into the rail industry.

Businesses can have their say on proposed reforms to the Local Jobs First Act 2003 – Australia’s longest-standing industry participation law.

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

The Victorian Chamber congratulates members and all finalists nominated for the Premier's Sustainability Awards 2023.

Employers are invited to have their say on how Victoria can boost women’s participation in manufacturing and energy industries.