In response to Victoria’s fourth COVID-19 lockdown, the State Government has announced a $250 million package to support struggling Victorian businesses in their time of need.

A little over three months since Victoria’s last lockdown, businesses will once again close their doors to the public as Acting Premier James Merlino announced another ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown.

Following nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Northern Melbourne, the Victorian Government has reinstated several COVIDSafe measures as health officials pinpoint the source of the new cases.

The 2021-22 State Budget is fiscally responsible and will address the need for Victorian businesses to reset and recalibrate in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The State Government has handed down the 2021-22 State Budget, featuring many recommendations put forward by the Victorian Chamber to enable business, grow business and make it easier to do business in Victoria.

The Victorian Chamber has today voiced its concerns over reports that the State Government will increase stamp duty and land tax next year.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg MP has unveiled a ‘Bounce Back’ Budget which aims to boost Australia’s economy by creating jobs, improving skills and investing in the digital economy.

The Victorian Government has announced that from 28 May, all Victorian businesses will be required to use the Victorian Government’s QR Code Service via the Service Victoria app.

The State Government has today announced that all venues and businesses required to undertake electronic record keeping for COVID-19 contact tracing purposes must use the State Government’s QR Code system from 28 May.

Twelve thousand Victorian businesses that were denied the State Government’s $10,000 Small Business Grant will have their applications reconsidered following an investigation by the Ombudsman.

While workers may argue there is ample evidence to support continued remote working arrangements, government health directions are no longer recommending working from home where ‘reasonably practicable,’ subject to density limits.

The Victorian Chamber welcomes the State Government’s announcement that it will reassess 12,000 applications for the first round of the Business Support Fund in response to a Victorian Ombudsman investigation.

On behalf of our members, the Victorian Chamber has made a submission to the Victorian Parliament’s Inquiry into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism and events sector.

The Victorian Chamber’s advocacy to state and federal governments on what businesses need to survive and prosper in a post COVID-19 environment focuses on three key themes which are to enable business, grow business and make it easier to do business.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is advocating for a consolidation budget that will provide the ideal support for Victoria to once again become the engine room of the Australian economy.