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.

The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has launched its third edition of the popular interactive Melbourne eGuide for conference, meeting and incentive event planners.

The Victorian Chamber launched the 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival and the race that stops the nation at a special event trackside at Flemington Racecourse. 

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.

New food safety standards will come into effect on Friday 8 December 2023 with updated training requirements that will impact most Victorian food businesses.

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!

Melbourne's famous Hoddle grid must be accessible and safe to all users and consider the needs of business, the Victorian Chamber tells a City of Melbourne draft Future Streets Framework.

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.

Our postcodes are as likely to affect our life expectancy as much as our genetic code, meaning planning for Victoria’s future must consider our health and wellbeing needs, the Future Victoria event has heard.

The Victorian Chamber is supporting regional Victoria through the State Government’s Business Groups Flood Recovery Grant. 

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

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 celebrated the achievements of outgoing AFL boss Gillon McLachlan, as he prepares to hand the Chief Executive reigns to Andrew Dillon, at our 2023 AFL Grand Final Lunch.

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.