I want to kick this week’s message off by extending my heartfelt congratulations to Travis Auld on behalf of the Victorian and Melbourne Chambers, on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of the Australian Grand Prix.

A new research and development (R&D) fund has been established to help Victorian industry innovate, create new products and compete internationally.

I hope this update finds you well. It’s a privilege to be Acting Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber as we’re in the midst of NAIDOC Week celebration, and I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work, live, and operate our businesses. It is a time to reflect on the rich history, culture, and achievements of our First Nations people, and to renew our commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity.

Victoria’s visitor economy celebrated a momentous occasion recently, with the latest figures showing tourism spending in our state surged to a record-breaking $35 billion.

Yesterday the Victorian Chamber proudly released our Regulatory Reform Policy Paper. This paper provides the pragmatic next steps for Victoria’s Regulatory Reform Agenda through four significant policy reform recommendations. Adoption of these recommendations would enhance productivity, competitiveness and the overall business environment in the state.

The Victorian Government has released a 10-year clean economy plan to create training and skills opportunities for workers, businesses, and industry as the state moves towards net zero by 2045.

I hope this update finds you all in good spirits despite the icy winds pushing through the state! It is a privilege to be filling in for Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra. Our CEO is currently with a small contingent in Geneva for the 2023 World Chambers Congress, as Melbourne prepares to host the WCC in 2025.

Businesses and other stakeholders are being asked to help shape Victoria’s innovation policies to best transform ideas or research into new commercial opportunities, businesses or industries.

Congratulations to all the amazing Australians who have been celebrated as part of the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List. Not just the famous faces, but also the quiet achievers of Victoria, who dedicate their lives to improving their communities and outcomes for the less fortunate.

Victoria’s noise laws call for all businesses to prevent noise pollution – regardless of your business’s size or activities. Understanding when noise is considered unreasonable is the first step to following the law.

It’s been an interesting week, and probably one that will have most business owners and leaders wondering “What next?”

Eligible Victorian cafes, restaurants and food manufacturing businesses will no longer need to undertake compliance programs following a regulatory change announced by the Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government has announced vehicle registration will be free for eligible apprentices from July 1, 2023.

It was great to catch up with the Agent General Victoria to China, Brett Stephens earlier in the week to discuss the investment, sourcing and exporting opportunities for Victorian businesses. I certainly heard the optimism from Brett about what the opening can mean for business in our State, and we will be looking to progress that once Brett returns to China next week.

The Australian Government’s latest data reveals skills shortages remain across many sectors and in regional areas. If your business needs to fill its skills gap and future-proof its workforce, the Victorian Chamber can help through a range of training programs, staffing solutions, workplace support and more.

The Victorian Government has released a strategic plan to shape the future of the State’s visitor economy over the next 10 years.