The Suburban Rail Loop released its Business and Investment Case in August 2021 outlining how it will deliver more jobs, better services, and access to housing as Victoria continues to grow.

October is finally here, and we are three weeks or less from hitting the 70 per cent target to start the reopening. It’s within sight now, and we can finally start to think about waving goodbye to lockdowns forever. The Victorian Chamber is continuing our push for the State Government to revise openings at both the 70 and 80 per cent targets.

Businesses and workers have sacrificed, suffered and done their bit to protect us all from COVID-19. They stayed closed, in some cases without work, pivoted their services to keep Victorians employed and many lost what they had spent years building. Businesses across the State are in crisis.

I had a close friend message me from London on the weekend, as he sat comfortably in a coffee shop on Regent Street.

Sunday was not the news we wanted. The roadmap fell short: short of hope, short of NSW and short of where we need to be moving to as a state.

Victorian business needs certainty and clarity on the plan for our state’s COVID-19 recovery. The Victorian Chamber has formulated a detailed four-phase roadmap to provide that light on the hill for business, workers, the economy and communities.

Well, there was a welcome shifting of narrative late last week, and we are now clearly focused on a vaccination-based opening. The past week has been tough, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

There was a time when profits came to the detriment of the planet. The tables have turned, and BGIS demonstrate how businesses can benefit by being conscientious global citizens.

Since the launch of the Victorian Chamber’s Grant Finder tool, hundreds of Victorian businesses have already searched for the support they need – and found it. Don’t miss out!

I felt a shift in the fight against COVID-19 this week when Prime Minister Scott Morrison remarked, “this Groundhog Day has to end”. I couldn’t agree more!

As want for personal transport puts pressure on our roads, coupled with a shift to electric vehicles, Transurban’s latest report reveals our acceleration toward a transportation renaissance.

Lockdowns. We’ve had a few. And there will probably be a few more before we are done. Like them or not, it’s the agreed weapon of choice to combat COVID-19 until vaccination rates get to 80 per cent. They have worked to effectively stop the spread.  

It was mixed news for the business community this week with Regional Victoria freed from Lockdown Six but Metropolitan Victoria required to stay in lockdown for another seven days.

After years of litigation, the High Court of Australia has finally handed down a landmark decision, closing a pathway for casual employees to seek backpay for leave entitlements.

No other industry over the past 10 years has faced greater challenges than the taxi industry. Simon Purssey explains how 13cabs stayed in the drivers’ seat and navigated hazards.

The State and Federal Governments have today announced a joint financial assistance package for Victorian business which will give them the support and confidence they need to rebound from Lockdowns Four and Five.