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.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas handed down the State Budget on Tuesday afternoon and I’m sure many of you went straight to how it would impact your business, positive or negative.

WorkCover changes announced today will see premiums increase by more than 40 per cent, changes to mental health eligibility and the creation of a new pilot program for impacted workers.

As business awaits next week’s State Budget, the latest feedback from our members is that regained confidence post-pandemic has waned in the face of tough economic conditions.

In Victoria, employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for their employees and to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004. 

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 of Commerce and Industry is delighted to have been named as one of four finalists in the 13th World Chambers Congress (WCC) 2023 Competition in the Best Gender Equity Project category for our Chamber Change program.

We have one hot off the press today! We are incredibly proud to announce that the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been named as one of four finalists in the 13th World Chambers Congress (WCC) 2023 Competition in the Best Gender Equity Project category for our Chamber Change (Women in Business) program.

As we approach the budget season, we are in continuing discussions with the State Government to ensure business remains positioned to provide the growth the State needs. I expect those meetings will continue over the next few weeks as well.

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

On Tuesday, we reflected on the sacrifice that generations of Australians and New Zealanders have made to protect our way of life. Hundreds of Anzac Day commemorations took place across the State to honour the Anzac spirit; it felt to me as if that spirit was particularly prominent this year, perhaps it was heightened among Victorians because of the war in Ukraine and global instability.

With post-pandemic hybrid work here to stay, Melbourne Chamber member Swinburne University of Technology has identified a ‘2023-defining trend’ beyond working from home.

Melbourne Chamber member Port of Melbourne (PoM) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will lead to the development of greener shipping solutions and export opportunities for Victoria.

Increasing mental injury WorkCover claims highlights a concerning trend and the importance of prioritising the mental health and safety of employees.

Melbourne has been chosen to host the inaugural Asia Pacific (APAC) Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit from 29-31 August.

Safe Work Australia (SWA) has published a new report highlighting the trends and costs of workplace injury and illness in Australia.