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.

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 Reserve Bank of Australia’s announcement of a rates increase cast a gloomy shadow over Tuesday's Melbourne Cup celebrations. The decision will impact both businesses and households, exerting additional pressure on those already struggling to make ends meet. The Chamber is cognisant of this strain and we remain committed to supporting and advocating for measures to alleviate the burden on our members.

The Victorian Chamber is always looking forward and we know workforces are integral to our economic success, which is why we were proud to release our career services policy paper, Boosting Business with Career Services.

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.