While we usually open with a positive message, there is no way to sugarcoat the blow of the news that Victoria will no longer be hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Employers to partner with National Affordable Housing (NAH) to deliver affordable housing options for employees in Victoria – and reap the benefits from it.

I want to kick this week’s message off by extending my heartfelt congratulations to Travis Auld on behalf of the Victorian and Melbourne Chambers, on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of the Australian Grand Prix.

Consultation is underway to determine how Australia’s largest businesses and financial institutions disclose their impacts on climate change – and how this will have a flow-on impact on small, medium and family enterprises (SMFEs).

I hope this update finds you well. It’s a privilege to be Acting Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber as we’re in the midst of NAIDOC Week celebration, and I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work, live, and operate our businesses. It is a time to reflect on the rich history, culture, and achievements of our First Nations people, and to renew our commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry acknowledges that the land we live, work, learn and support business on is the land of the Traditional Custodians, collectively the Indigenous Communities of Victoria.

Yesterday the Victorian Chamber proudly released our Regulatory Reform Policy Paper. This paper provides the pragmatic next steps for Victoria’s Regulatory Reform Agenda through four significant policy reform recommendations. Adoption of these recommendations would enhance productivity, competitiveness and the overall business environment in the state.

It is with deep sadness that the Victorian Chamber of Commerce pays tribute to esteemed former politician, the Hon. Simon Crean. A highly respected figure in Australian politics, Mr Crean made significant contributions to the nation, leaving an indelible mark on the economic landscape of Victoria and the entire country.

I hope this update finds you all in good spirits despite the icy winds pushing through the state! It is a privilege to be filling in for Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra. Our CEO is currently with a small contingent in Geneva for the 2023 World Chambers Congress, as Melbourne prepares to host the WCC in 2025.

Congratulations to all the amazing Australians who have been celebrated as part of the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List. Not just the famous faces, but also the quiet achievers of Victoria, who dedicate their lives to improving their communities and outcomes for the less fortunate.

It’s been an interesting week, and probably one that will have most business owners and leaders wondering “What next?”

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

It was great to catch up with the Agent General Victoria to China, Brett Stephens earlier in the week to discuss the investment, sourcing and exporting opportunities for Victorian businesses. I certainly heard the optimism from Brett about what the opening can mean for business in our State, and we will be looking to progress that once Brett returns to China next week.

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.