Increased cost of living is the number one issue facing many Australians today. It’s also likely affecting the emotional and financial wellbeing of your employees.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has rejected an employee’s application that he should be able to file an unfair dismissal claim as he was earning under the high-income threshold and was covered by a modern award, ruling that his private use of the company’s motor vehicle contributed to his earnings.

From 1 May 2023, updated rules on taking annual leave during a shutdown apply for 78 Modern Awards.

As we approach the budget season, we are in continuing discussions with the State Government to ensure business remains positioned to provide the growth the State needs. I expect those meetings will continue over the next few weeks as well.

In February this year the Victorian Chamber flagged the termination of ‘zombie agreements’ under the Australian Government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay Amendment Act 2022.

We have one hot off the press today! We are incredibly proud to announce that the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been named as one of four finalists in the 13th World Chambers Congress (WCC) 2023 Competition in the Best Gender Equity Project category for our Chamber Change (Women in Business) program.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is delighted to have been named as one of four finalists in the 13th World Chambers Congress (WCC) 2023 Competition in the Best Gender Equity Project category for our Chamber Change program.

The Federal Court of Australia found the HR manager and general manager of a restaurant chain purposely underpaid employees for almost a year and deliberately tampered with records in their payroll system outlining employee hours worked.

As business awaits next week’s State Budget, the latest feedback from our members is that regained confidence post-pandemic has waned in the face of tough economic conditions.

Running a business can be challenging enough without employee issues arising but many employers will need to address a performance or conduct matter at some stage.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas handed down the State Budget on Tuesday afternoon and I’m sure many of you went straight to how it would impact your business, positive or negative.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has criticised an employer’s ‘tick and flick’ approach to social media and standards policy training after one employee’s dismissal was overturned and another’s upheld for various social media contraventions.

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

The Victorian Government recently announced major changes to the state’s Workers’ Compensation scheme, which it plans to legislate later in 2023.

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