The Victorian Chamber welcomes today’s announcement of a landmark collaboration between State Governments to decarbonise logistics along the eastern seaboard.

It’s Grand Prix week in Victoria and the excitement and energy is palpable. It will be extra special in 2022 as we remember the dramatic circumstances under which it was cancelled in 2020 when the reality of COVID-19 hit us like a wrecking ball. How far we have come since then as Victorian business continues to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

I’m sure you are all delighted with today’s State Government announcement on the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions. It’s exactly what Victorian business needs to really get moving with our post-pandemic recovery.

I love Melbourne. It’s the best city in the world. But COVID hasn’t been kind to our CBD and it’s becoming more obvious that our recovery is taking longer than we hoped.

The Victorian Budget was announced this week, and I'm sure you will have different views of what it means for you.

Australians will go to the polls this Saturday after what will have been an exhaustive 40-day federal election campaign. A record 4.34 million Victorians will cast their vote, with thousands already having voted through postal voting or one of the early voting centres which opened last week.

After six weeks of campaigning, Australians have elected our 31st Prime Minister. The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulates Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their victory and we look forward to a strong and productive relationship with the incoming Federal Government.

Winter has certainly made a dramatic entrance, and with rain, icy winds and even snow falling in some areas across Victoria, cases of cold and flu, COVID-19 and other illnesses are continuing to increase which is presenting many challenges for businesses. The State Government’s decision to provide free flu vaccinations to all Victorians aged over six months during June is a timely one.

The return to the office in the CBD continues to be a big talking point. We know it's not limited to just Melbourne, as virtually every CBD across the globe is dealing with the challenges of attracting office workers back. 

As the recent Federal Election demonstrated, climate is a major focus for many Australians as well as business. Next Tuesday June 21 the Victorian Chamber will present our Why Sustainability is Good for Business breakfast at Crown. It comes as the Centre for Economics and Business Research released its ARCADIS Sustainability Cities Index today and Melbourne’s ranking dropped to #60 from its previous ranking at 56.

All Australians are feeling the pinch from the energy crisis, not least business.

The end of the financial year is upon us as are the school holidays. It’s great to see so many people travelling again, particularly to our regional areas, and supporting local businesses.

The Victorian Chamber welcomes the State Government’s recommendation for businesses to implement their own mask and working from home arrangements as we deal with the current rise in COVID-19 cases and other illnesses.

The chronic nationwide worker shortage is the biggest obstacle to Australia’s economic recovery. In a globally competitive environment, we need to make sure Australia is renowned as a great place to work, build a career and base your business.

A new Monash University Commission inquiry explores how secondary cities can complement central business districts (CBDs) and create positive impacts for society and economy.

Welcome to the first edition of our new Business First format! I hope you enjoy the content, which we have tailored to your selected interests and preferences. As always, we’d love your feedback.