I want to kick this week’s message off by extending my heartfelt congratulations to Travis Auld on behalf of the Victorian and Melbourne Chambers, on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of the Australian Grand Prix.

Mandatory climate reporting is coming. Almost every Australian business, no matter its size, will be impacted by these changes.

Consultation is underway to determine how Australia’s largest businesses and financial institutions disclose their impacts on climate change – and how this will have a flow-on impact on small, medium and family enterprises (SMFEs).

Yarra Valley Water (YVW) is undertaking key energy initiatives to prepare for the future and become net-zero.

I hope this update finds you well. It’s a privilege to be Acting Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber as we’re in the midst of NAIDOC Week celebration, and I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work, live, and operate our businesses. It is a time to reflect on the rich history, culture, and achievements of our First Nations people, and to renew our commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity.

Yesterday the Victorian Chamber proudly released our Regulatory Reform Policy Paper. This paper provides the pragmatic next steps for Victoria’s Regulatory Reform Agenda through four significant policy reform recommendations. Adoption of these recommendations would enhance productivity, competitiveness and the overall business environment in the state.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry today released its Regulatory Reform Policy Paper, which puts forward the next pragmatic steps for Victoria’s Regulatory Reform Agenda. It provides a summary of the broad implications of regulatory burden in Victoria, and four significant policy reform recommendations that, if implemented, would enhance productivity, competitiveness, and the overall business environment in the state.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released a Regulatory Reform Policy Paper to drive the next steps of regulatory reform in the state and grow business confidence and investment.

It is with deep sadness that the Victorian Chamber of Commerce pays tribute to esteemed former politician, the Hon. Simon Crean. A highly respected figure in Australian politics, Mr Crean made significant contributions to the nation, leaving an indelible mark on the economic landscape of Victoria and the entire country.

The Victorian Government has released a 10-year clean economy plan to create training and skills opportunities for workers, businesses, and industry as the state moves towards net zero by 2045.

I hope this update finds you all in good spirits despite the icy winds pushing through the state! It is a privilege to be filling in for Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra. Our CEO is currently with a small contingent in Geneva for the 2023 World Chambers Congress, as Melbourne prepares to host the WCC in 2025.

Congratulations to all the amazing Australians who have been celebrated as part of the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List. Not just the famous faces, but also the quiet achievers of Victoria, who dedicate their lives to improving their communities and outcomes for the less fortunate.

Office-based businesses seeking assistance with the challenge of reducing emissions can explore CitySwitch, a free to join, national program delivered locally by participating councils.

It’s been an interesting week, and probably one that will have most business owners and leaders wondering “What next?”

Industry experts give their tips on how small and large enterprises can use Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) to create and sustain long-term value. 

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.