I’ve been asked to address a number of different forums in recent weeks to give the Chamber’s view on the outlook for business for 2023 and the role of business in driving economic growth.

The Victorian Government’s Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre (CEBIC) has launched for more than $4.8 million in funding to stimulate innovation and commercialisation of circular solutions.

When a workplace has an employee with patterns of absence or excessive levels of absence, it can make it difficult for a team to perform at its best.

A new Victorian Chamber survey has revealed most businesses are increasingly concerned about the impact of energy prices and want Government support on long-term solutions to reach a net-zero economy.

There goes summer for another year. Not quite the warm weather we had hoped for, but we look ahead to what autumn brings, particularly with the Moomba Festival, AFL Season, Grand Prix, and the highly anticipated opening of “& Juliet” not far away.

Victoria’s peak business and industry body is advocating for the 2023-24 State Budget to provide targeted support to enable business to play a pivotal role in driving Victoria’s economic growth.

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.

In a major $2.35 billion energy announcement on Tuesday, Victoria was chosen as preferred location for the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project – a collaboration involving the Japanese, Australian and Victorian Governments.

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day, a global event that recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, raises awareness about discrimination and drives gender parity.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has denied a General Protections application with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) after finding that an experienced human resources manager was not forced to resign by her employer after her unpaid parental leave request was denied.

Enterprise bargaining between an employer, employees and their representatives must follow rules and obligations for an agreement to be made and approved.

As part of the Federal Government’s Secure Jobs Better Pay legislation, workplace sexual harassment is prohibited under the Fair Work Act from 6 March 2023.

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

I hope you all made the most of the long weekend and those who opened or worked did a roaring trade, the weather was certainly in full cooperation!

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

As Victorian businesses continue to grapple with staff and skills shortages, it may come as some relief to learn the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) provides a free and confidential assessment of current or prospective employees’ overseas qualifications to determine their compatibility with Australian standards.