The Victorian Government recently announced major changes to the state’s Workers’ Compensation scheme, which it plans to legislate later in 2023.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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

It certainly feels like the year continues to accelerate, and I hope you are doing what you need to ensure your business is in good shape.

WorkSafe is encouraging workplaces to apply for a share in more than $4 million from the WorkWell Respect Fund towards new initiatives that help prevent work-related gendered violence, including sexual harassment.

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe long weekend. It was certainly great to have a break, and hopefully some of you can enjoy extra time with your children as we enter school holidays.