The Reserve Bank of Australia’s announcement of a rates increase cast a gloomy shadow over Tuesday's Melbourne Cup celebrations. The decision will impact both businesses and households, exerting additional pressure on those already struggling to make ends meet. The Chamber is cognisant of this strain and we remain committed to supporting and advocating for measures to alleviate the burden on our members.

Good business owners and leaders understand the benefits of looking after our mental health at work but often don’t know where to start. Here’s how to support a mentally healthy workplace.

Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a serious and urgent problem in Australia. Is your business equipped to deal with the range of workplace issues that DFV presents?

The Victorian Chamber is always looking forward and we know workforces are integral to our economic success, which is why we were proud to release our career services policy paper, Boosting Business with Career Services.

Local businesses can network with UK counterparts in Melbourne as the British Consulate brings together a cohort of some of its most innovative tech businesses looking for Australian connections.

I’d like to begin by congratulating the Allan Government on today’s launch of the State Electricity Commission’s Strategic Plan 2023-2025, set to lead Victoria’s renewable energy transition with a focus on supply, homes and people.

The Federal Government has launched a new initiative for Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers and workplaces to aid their employment.

A new report has found obstacles to gender equity in the workforce are costing the Australian economy $128 billion.

You would be aware the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival took place on Sunday, with over 40,000 participants raising more than $1.5 million for charity. I am proud to report that the Victorian Chamber had a dedicated team of athletes, from the 5km run to the full marathon. In a late decision, due to an illness with one of our registered team members, I joined in the 5km run, and can report it was a fantastic experience. And my hamstrings are almost back to normal!

On Tuesday we had the privilege of partnering with the Herald Sun to host our second annual “Future Victoria” lunch at Crown Melbourne’s spectacular Aviary event space.

National Safe Work Month is held every October, with this year’s theme being ‘for everyone’s safety, work safely’.

It was wonderful to start the week with a call from our new Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan bright and early at 8.15am.

I want to extend my congratulations to Victoria’s new Premier, Jacinta Allan and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. Their appointment is fantastic news for the business community, and we have longstanding and productive relationships with both. I am delighted that they will be tasked with taking our State forward. I know they are both up for the challenge and I know they both are acutely aware of what business – all of you – contribute to our great State.

The Australia Africa Chamber of Commerce (AACC) has confirmed the inaugural Australia Africa Business Summit in Melbourne will be postponed until next year.

Some of you will have been involved in our Housing Taskforce, which is nearing completion. On Tuesday I had an opinion piece published in the Herald Sun which highlights what we have heard during the extensive consultation.

I'm excited to provide a short preview of an upcoming report that we believe will greatly benefit our members. Our Housing Taskforce has been diligently working on a comprehensive document to help address the housing challenges faced by our community.