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.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has increased award and minimum rates of pay by 5.75 per cent from 1 July 2023.

The Australian Government’s latest data reveals skills shortages remain across many sectors and in regional areas. If your business needs to fill its skills gap and future-proof its workforce, the Victorian Chamber can help through a range of training programs, staffing solutions, workplace support and more.

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) recently announced a Small Business Lodgement Amnesty Program to allow businesses to bring outstanding tax returns and business activity statements (BAS) up-to-date.

The negatives outweigh the positive initiatives for business in the Victorian State Budget 2023-24 released today, with medium and large businesses and multiple property owners facing increased costs to repay State debt.

Today’s State Budget of new and increased taxes and levies will hit medium to large businesses and property owners. It will directly impact jobs and investment in Victoria.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes the Victorian Government announcement to replace stamp duty for commercial and industrial properties with an annual property tax.

WorkCover changes announced today will see premiums increase by more than 40 per cent, changes to mental health eligibility and the creation of a new pilot program for impacted workers.

Today’s State Government announcement of a 42 per cent increase in WorkCover premiums to 1.8 per cent makes our scheme the most expensive in the country and is yet another increase to the cost of doing business in Victoria.

The Victorian Chamber’s third Business Voice trend survey has revealed a drop in confidence concerning business’ revenue growth with almost one-third of businesses responding that they are less likely to recruit new staff, compared to one in four just six months ago.

Victorian businesses are bracing themselves for lower revenue growth and slowing staff recruitment in the coming months as the cost-of-living crisis hits, the latest Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry survey reveals.

Solar power is now more accessible for small and medium businesses through measures announced in the 2023/24 Federal Budget combined with Victorian incentives.

The fundamentals of defence, skills and the transition to a net-zero economy are clear winners in an otherwise modest 2023-2024 Federal Budget that focuses on cost-of-living relief.

The Victorian Chamber welcomes the Federal Government’s 2023-2024 ‘Stronger foundations for a better future’ Budget which delivers a $4.2 billion surplus. The fundamentals of defence, skills and the transition to a net zero economy are clear winners in an otherwise modest budget with few surprises.

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).