One of Victoria’s biggest business surveys has revealed the Victorian Chamber is the trusted voice of business at a time of significant challenges and opportunities for business in Victoria.

The Victorian Chamber’s annual Business Pulse survey reinforced that the Chamber is the trusted voice of business in Victoria and reinforced that our members and stakeholders believe our role is highly relevant to business productivity and the Victorian community.

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s announcement of a rates increase cast a gloomy shadow over Tuesday's Melbourne Cup celebrations. The decision will impact both businesses and households, exerting additional pressure on those already struggling to make ends meet. The Chamber is cognisant of this strain and we remain committed to supporting and advocating for measures to alleviate the burden on our members.

The Victorian Chamber is always looking forward and we know workforces are integral to our economic success, which is why we were proud to release our career services policy paper, Boosting Business with Career Services.

Following feedback that a current lack of adequate career services is having a negative impact on the labour market, the Victorian Chamber has devised 29 recommendations to improve the future of careers services nationally.

Following extensive consultation with members and stakeholders, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released its Careers Services Policy Paper, entitled “Boosting Business with Career Services”. It puts forward 29 recommendations that would improve the future of careers services, both in Victoria and Australia-wide.

A new grant program is backing the production of renewable energy technologies for Victoria’s net-zero targets.

I’d like to begin by congratulating the Allan Government on today’s launch of the State Electricity Commission’s Strategic Plan 2023-2025, set to lead Victoria’s renewable energy transition with a focus on supply, homes and people.

You would be aware the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival took place on Sunday, with over 40,000 participants raising more than $1.5 million for charity. I am proud to report that the Victorian Chamber had a dedicated team of athletes, from the 5km run to the full marathon. In a late decision, due to an illness with one of our registered team members, I joined in the 5km run, and can report it was a fantastic experience. And my hamstrings are almost back to normal!

On Tuesday we had the privilege of partnering with the Herald Sun to host our second annual “Future Victoria” lunch at Crown Melbourne’s spectacular Aviary event space.

It was wonderful to start the week with a call from our new Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan bright and early at 8.15am.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has officially released our Housing Taskforce Report containing 36 policy recommendations to tackle our housing crisis.

With a new Premier and Deputy, it’s a new dawn in Victoria. The business community is ready to play our part for the future we all aspire to. 

I want to extend my congratulations to Victoria’s new Premier, Jacinta Allan and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. Their appointment is fantastic news for the business community, and we have longstanding and productive relationships with both. I am delighted that they will be tasked with taking our State forward. I know they are both up for the challenge and I know they both are acutely aware of what business – all of you – contribute to our great State.

The Victorian Chamber has released a first-of-its-kind Cyber Security and Scams Policy Position with 24 pragmatic recommendations to protect small, medium and family businesses from cyber criminals, in a comprehensive cyber suite that includes a Security Checklist and Self-Paced Training for businesses.

Some of you will have been involved in our Housing Taskforce, which is nearing completion. On Tuesday I had an opinion piece published in the Herald Sun which highlights what we have heard during the extensive consultation.