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 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).

The Executive Council has called a special general meeting of members to consider and, if thought fit, approve the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's proposed change in entity type from a body corporate established under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (Cth) to a company limited by guarantee registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The special general meeting will be held on 19 May 2023 at 9:30am at Level 3, 150 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 and online, using online platform Zoom.

The shift to a net-zero economy will require a collective effort but is a challenge Victoria can rise to with the right mindset and the right actions, enabling government and industry to work together to reach our emission targets and seize the economic opportunities for Victoria.

According to ZEN Energy CEO Anthony Garnaut, while Victoria is not the sunniest place in Australia, “it's a lot sunnier than Germany”, meaning the cost of solar even in Melbourne is a lot cheaper than building a solar farm in the sunniest part of Germany. 

Gone are five-day office weeks in Melbourne but overall average days have trended upwards, according to the latest office occupancy survey by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s an expectation from clients, partners and attendees. That’s why it has embarked on its own journey towards net-zero.

The Victorian Chamber is seeking responses to our Business Voice Survey about insurance cost and business composition.

A report from independent advisory body Infrastructure Victoria (IV) highlights more choice and housing diversity is needed as Victoria’s population grows.

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has reported an increase in renewable investments but not enough to reach renewable energy targets.

Two business scholars explain what environmental, social and governance standards and principles are

State and federal grants are available now for small and medium businesses seeking energy efficiency upgrades as well as manufacturing growth opportunities.

The Victorian Chamber is looking for business input on the future of careers advice and ensuring students make well-informed choices when transitioning to further education, training or employment.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released its 2023-24 State Budget submission, putting forward 68 recommendations to boost jobs and investment around energy, tax, regulation, skills and training, infrastructure, manufacturing, transport, major events and Victoria’s regions.

Addressing labour and skills shortages, adopting a national approach to payroll tax and providing tax incentives to business to invest in energy efficient technologies are among the key recommendations of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2023-24 Federal Budget submission.