There has been a lot of commentary around this week about the Australian Open 2021 proceeding and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry would like to voice our support.

The Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2021, to be debated in Parliament this week, recognises the challenges that the labour hire industry is facing in the wake of COVID-19.

The Victorian Chamber has today voiced its concerns over reports that the State Government will increase stamp duty and land tax next year.

The Victorian Chamber welcomes today’s news that most Victorian businesses can operate from 11.59pm tomorrow, 10 June, but will continue to advocate for a snapback to pre-lockdown restrictions. Metropolitan Melbourne will go to Regional Victoria’s current settings while Regional Victoria’s restrictions will be eased even further.

Today’s announcement that restrictions will further ease from 11.59 tomorrow, Thursday 17 June, is welcome news that will enable every Victorian business to operate, but the restrictions on Metropolitan Victoria are still too conservative.

Victorian businesses have been dealt another harsh blow today with the announcement that the State will be plunged into its fifth lockdown due to the escalating NSW COVID-19 outbreak spreading into Victoria.

Today’s announcement of immediate support is crucial to the many businesses and workers who were only just recovering from Lockdown Four.

The State Government today announced a further $282.5 million in financial support for Victorian businesses following strong advocacy from the Victorian Chamber.

The Victorian Chamber welcomes today’s news that most Victorian businesses will be able to reopen from tomorrow, 28 July, but will continue to advocate for a shift back to pre-lockdown restrictions.

The State and Federal Governments have today announced a joint financial assistance package for Victorian business which will give them the support and confidence they need to rebound from Lockdowns Four and Five.

Just as Victorians were beginning to enjoy the freedoms we have missed, the State has been plunged into its sixth COVID-19 related lockdown.

The Victorian Chamber welcomes today’s prompt announcement of a new $400 million State and Federal Government support package, which will give businesses the confidence they need to get through Lockdown Six and continue the recovery from Lockdowns Four and Five.

The Victorian Chamber is pleased by today’s announcement of a further $367 million in business support as a result of another joint effort by the State and Federal Governments to help businesses stay afloat during the extended Lockdown Six period.

With so much recent discussion and debate centred around enforcing mandatory vaccinations in workplaces and the allowance of greater freedoms for those fully vaccinated, the Victorian Chamber surveyed its members on the potential introduction of greater freedoms for vaccinated Australians. 

The Victorian Chamber is pleased that the State and Federal Governments have again come together to announce a further $807 million in support for Victorian businesses to get through the second extension of Lockdown Six.

Victorian businesses are devastated by the news that Metropolitan Victoria’s lockdown will be extended indefinitely.