The Australian Tax Office (ATO) recently announced a Small Business Lodgement Amnesty Program to allow businesses to bring outstanding tax returns and business activity statements (BAS) up-to-date.

The Victorian Chamber encourages small and large employers to nominate and have their efforts recognised at the Victorian Skills Authority’s Victorian Training Awards for 2023.

Solar power is now more accessible for small and medium businesses through measures announced in the 2023/24 Federal Budget combined with Victorian incentives.

The Victorian Chamber’s flagship women-in-business program, Chamber Change, has been recognised as a gender equity leader, nominated as one of four finalists in the Best Gender Equity Project in the World Chambers Competition.

The fundamentals of defence, skills and the transition to a net-zero economy are clear winners in an otherwise modest 2023-2024 Federal Budget that focuses on cost-of-living relief.

Improved careers services and advice is increasingly important in a labour market characterised by skills and labour shortages, skills mismatches and perceptions of vocational education and training (VET).

The 2023-24 Federal Budget will allocate $314 million towards a new energy program aimed at lowering business power bills and emissions.

Australia’s systems of managing visas, permanent residency, skilled migration and international students are set for an overhaul after a report deemed it was “not fit for purpose”.

The Victorian Government’s Head Start school-based apprenticeship program has broadened to roll out to all government secondary schools by the end of 2023.

Fast-track nomination is now available in Victoria for skilled visa candidates with an eligible health, teaching or social services occupation who meet the minimum visa requirements.

Experience the ultimate flexibility with the Victorian Chamber’s newly released e-learning self-paced courses covering themes of workplace mental health, an effective hybrid workforce and exporting essentials.

The Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) has expanded to include Metropolitan Melbourne applicants.

Two thirds of the world’s growth is predicted to come from Asia over the next decade, and efforts are being made to prepare Australia to achieve long-term financial and strategic outcomes in the region.

Want a rewarding career pathway while promoting health and safety outcomes for the good of society? The Victorian Chamber is launching our first Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (WHS) program for the year.

As Victorian businesses continue to grapple with staff and skills shortages, it may come as some relief to learn the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) provides a free and confidential assessment of current or prospective employees’ overseas qualifications to determine their compatibility with Australian standards.

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has reported an increase in renewable investments but not enough to reach renewable energy targets.