Today’s State Budget of new and increased taxes and levies will hit medium to large businesses and property owners. It will directly impact jobs and investment in Victoria.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes the Victorian Government announcement to replace stamp duty for commercial and industrial properties with an annual property tax.

The Victorian Chamber encourages small and large employers to nominate and have their efforts recognised at the Victorian Skills Authority’s Victorian Training Awards for 2023.

WorkCover changes announced today will see premiums increase by more than 40 per cent, changes to mental health eligibility and the creation of a new pilot program for impacted workers.

Today’s State Government announcement of a 42 per cent increase in WorkCover premiums to 1.8 per cent makes our scheme the most expensive in the country and is yet another increase to the cost of doing business in Victoria.

Solar power is now more accessible for small and medium businesses through measures announced in the 2023/24 Federal Budget combined with Victorian incentives.

Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland and Shepparton will be on the world stage as the hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The 2023-24 Federal Budget will allocate $314 million towards a new energy program aimed at lowering business power bills and emissions.

Melbourne Chamber member Port of Melbourne (PoM) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will lead to the development of greener shipping solutions and export opportunities for Victoria.

Melbourne has been chosen to host the inaugural Asia Pacific (APAC) Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit from 29-31 August.

The Victorian Government’s Head Start school-based apprenticeship program has broadened to roll out to all government secondary schools by the end of 2023.

Retail tenants and landlords should be aware that Victoria’s Retail Leases Regulations 2013 expired on 16 April 2023 and the Victorian Government has since updated them.

WorkSafe is encouraging workplaces to apply for a share in more than $4 million from the WorkWell Respect Fund towards new initiatives that help prevent work-related gendered violence, including sexual harassment.

Fast-track nomination is now available in Victoria for skilled visa candidates with an eligible health, teaching or social services occupation who meet the minimum visa requirements.

The shift to a net-zero economy will require a collective effort but is a challenge Victoria can rise to with the right mindset and the right actions, enabling government and industry to work together to reach our emission targets and seize the economic opportunities for Victoria.

According to ZEN Energy CEO Anthony Garnaut, while Victoria is not the sunniest place in Australia, “it's a lot sunnier than Germany”, meaning the cost of solar even in Melbourne is a lot cheaper than building a solar farm in the sunniest part of Germany.