Growth. It's a concept we need to get familiar with again. It will dominate discussion over the next few years, and so it should.

As the end of the year approaches, most workers will enjoy a break and then set goals for next year.

I have spent the morning representing the Chamber at the State Parliamentary Inquiry into WorkCover to ensure the views of business are heard.

Our final major event of the year - our inspirational Women in Business lunch, featuring a captivating conversation between our brilliant MC, Alicia Loxley, and our distinguished guest, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO - has been the highlight of my week.

I wanted to ensure you are kept across the WorkCover Bill amendments. We have been working with both the Government and Opposition to ensure they understand a premium increase beyond CPI is not acceptable. We also continue to state that we support necessary changes to make the scheme sustainable. We all need it.

The Federal Government yesterday announced that more than half a billion dollars’ worth of measures will be dedicated to Australia’s landmark cyber security strategy until 2030, which includes $290.8 million to uplift small and medium businesses, $143 billion to defend critical infrastructure and $129.7 million to build regional cooperation and resilience.

We have been closely engaged with Spring Street this week as the Parliament considers new legislation to overhaul Victoria’s archaic WorkCover scheme. The Victorian Chamber continues to advocate strongly for a fair and sustainable scheme that remains accessible to workers and affordable for businesses.

The WorkCover scheme is broken and no longer fit for purpose. It needs to change in order to survive.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.