Following months of strong advocacy on behalf of Victoria’s business community, I’m pleased to see WorkCover premiums will be frozen, with no increase on premiums for 12 months, after the State Parliament passed the WorkCover Scheme Modernisation Bill 2023.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), or Sustainable Business, is fast becoming a major consideration for businesses across the world and the Victorian Chamber is committed to being an enabler in this space by supporting our members on their sustainability journey.

It’s been another hot week, with bushfires raging and many parts of Victoria on high alert due to severe weather.

Victoria’s Sentencing Advisory Council has released a consultation paper exploring potential reforms to the sentencing of occupational health and safety (OHS) offences.

In a stark reminder to employers of their safety responsibilities, a stonemasonry business became the first company convicted under Victoria's workplace manslaughter laws, fined $1.3 million after causing the death of a worker who was fatally crushed at a Somerton factory.

It was great to get back to Regional Victoria this week as some of the Victorian Chamber Team and I spent a couple of jam-packed days in Geelong.

With the state budget still months away, earnest discussions are occurring now to influence what will be handed down.

A workforce without injury and illness benefits both employees and employers. By taking proactive steps as an employer, you can keep your workplace safer, healthier and more productive.

It’s not panning out to be the week we had hoped for. On one of the busiest days for many of our members, the lights went out.

I am proud to announce the release of our 2024-2025 Victorian Budget Submission. This comprehensive document, shaped by extensive industry consultation and survey data, presents 44 policy recommendations.

I am thrilled to be back on deck after a summer break. While it hasn’t been our usual, hot summer, it was nice to have a break. I managed to spend a few days up on the Murray... the golf was good, the weather was nice, but sadly the river was suffering from the increased water from the rains that flooded the Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers. It’s an excuse to get back up there sooner rather than later though!!

WorkSafe Victoria has revealed its prosecutions activity for the past year, reminding employers that they face serious legal consequences if they put employees at risk.

It’s great to be back after a summer break, especially to return to the news of so many positive developments and accolades for our members.

Feedback is being sought on upcoming new regulations to support Victoria’s WorkCover scheme, which propose changes around compensation and self-insurance arrangements.

The new year brings optimism and hope, and trepidation of what may lie ahead. While current and emerging conditions will continue to challenge our business community, the Victorian Chamber continues to have your back and advocate on your behalf.

There’s one recurring question I’ve been asked over recent weeks: “What’s your outlook for 2024?”