The Victorian Chamber’s flagship women-in-business program, Chamber Change, has been recognised as a gender equity leader, nominated as one of four finalists in the Best Gender Equity Project in the World Chambers Competition.

Improved careers services and advice is increasingly important in a labour market characterised by skills and labour shortages, skills mismatches and perceptions of vocational education and training (VET).

Australia’s systems of managing visas, permanent residency, skilled migration and international students are set for an overhaul after a report deemed it was “not fit for purpose”.

The Executive Council has called a special general meeting of members to consider and, if thought fit, approve the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's proposed change in entity type from a body corporate established under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (Cth) to a company limited by guarantee registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The special general meeting will be held on 19 May 2023 at 9:30am at Level 3, 150 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 and online, using online platform Zoom.

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

The Victorian Government’s Head Start school-based apprenticeship program has broadened to roll out to all government secondary schools by the end of 2023.

Retail tenants and landlords should be aware that Victoria’s Retail Leases Regulations 2013 expired on 16 April 2023 and the Victorian Government has since updated them.

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.

Fast-track nomination is now available in Victoria for skilled visa candidates with an eligible health, teaching or social services occupation who meet the minimum visa requirements.

The shift to a net-zero economy will require a collective effort but is a challenge Victoria can rise to with the right mindset and the right actions, enabling government and industry to work together to reach our emission targets and seize the economic opportunities for Victoria.

The Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) has expanded to include Metropolitan Melbourne applicants.

Two thirds of the world’s growth is predicted to come from Asia over the next decade, and efforts are being made to prepare Australia to achieve long-term financial and strategic outcomes in the region.

Gone are five-day office weeks in Melbourne but overall average days have trended upwards, according to the latest office occupancy survey by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Victorian Chamber is seeking responses to our Business Voice Survey about insurance cost and business composition.

A report from independent advisory body Infrastructure Victoria (IV) highlights more choice and housing diversity is needed as Victoria’s population grows.

As Victorian businesses continue to grapple with staff and skills shortages, it may come as some relief to learn the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) provides a free and confidential assessment of current or prospective employees’ overseas qualifications to determine their compatibility with Australian standards.