Businesses will be relieved to know their WorkCover premiums will be frozen for the 2024-25 financial year, with the Victorian Parliament passing the changes in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday).

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), or Sustainable Business, is fast becoming a major consideration for businesses across the world and the Victorian Chamber is committed to being an enabler in this space by supporting our members on their sustainability journey.

It’s been another hot week, with bushfires raging and many parts of Victoria on high alert due to severe weather.

It was great to get back to Regional Victoria this week as some of the Victorian Chamber Team and I spent a couple of jam-packed days in Geelong.

With the state budget still months away, earnest discussions are occurring now to influence what will be handed down.

It’s not panning out to be the week we had hoped for. On one of the busiest days for many of our members, the lights went out.

I am proud to announce the release of our 2024-2025 Victorian Budget Submission. This comprehensive document, shaped by extensive industry consultation and survey data, presents 44 policy recommendations.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2024-25 State Budget Submission calls for a focus on catalysing economic growth and sustainability in Regional Victoria.

The Victorian Chamber’s 2024-25 Victorian Budget submission calls for a stop to imposing additional costs on business, while empowering the private sector to launch our state into economic prosperity.

The Victorian Chamber’s 2024-25 State Budget submission outlines 44 policy recommendations across four focus areas to steer Victorian business through challenging economic times.  

I am thrilled to be back on deck after a summer break. While it hasn’t been our usual, hot summer, it was nice to have a break. I managed to spend a few days up on the Murray... the golf was good, the weather was nice, but sadly the river was suffering from the increased water from the rains that flooded the Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers. It’s an excuse to get back up there sooner rather than later though!!

It’s great to be back after a summer break, especially to return to the news of so many positive developments and accolades for our members.

The new year brings optimism and hope, and trepidation of what may lie ahead. While current and emerging conditions will continue to challenge our business community, the Victorian Chamber continues to have your back and advocate on your behalf.

There’s one recurring question I’ve been asked over recent weeks: “What’s your outlook for 2024?”

Growth. It's a concept we need to get familiar with again. It will dominate discussion over the next few years, and so it should.

As the end of the year approaches, most workers will enjoy a break and then set goals for next year.