Businesses and employees are vulnerable targets of illegal trade, according to Crime Stoppers in its latest campaign targeting workplaces.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry opposes the Federal Government’s Closing the Loopholes Bill which would reduce Victorian workers’ flexibility and freedom, drive up costs for consumers and make it more difficult to run a business not only in Victoria, but across Australia.

Consultation is underway to determine how Australia’s largest businesses and financial institutions disclose their impacts on climate change – and how this will have a flow-on impact on small, medium and family enterprises (SMFEs).

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry acknowledges that the land we live, work, learn and support business on is the land of the Traditional Custodians, collectively the Indigenous Communities of Victoria.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has increased award and minimum rates of pay by 5.75 per cent from 1 July 2023.

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 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.

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 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.

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

State and federal grants are available now for small and medium businesses seeking energy efficiency upgrades as well as manufacturing growth opportunities.

Addressing labour and skills shortages, adopting a national approach to payroll tax and providing tax incentives to business to invest in energy efficient technologies are among the key recommendations of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2023-24 Federal Budget submission.

The Victorian Chamber welcomes Federal Government changes to boost the international education sector and address skills shortages in key industries.

The Australian Apprenticeships Priority List has been expanded, adding occupations eligible for financial support.