As we know, it’s been a challenging two years for many businesses in Victoria. The good news is there is a range of assistance available through various State or Commonwealth programs to help your business as we move out of the pandemic.

Melbourne will host the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum and Gala Dinner 2022 in May, with Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra confirmed as a panellist at the forum.

A federal election is in the air, which means it’s time for business to be on the lookout for policy announcements that might impact their business. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s Budget speech contained a raft of announcements business needs to consider, including proposed changes to the paid parental leave (PPL) scheme.

The Victorian Chamber’s advocacy has helped secure significant wins in the Federal Budget with increased funding for skills and training, commitments for two Victorian freight terminals and a much-needed boost for regional tourism.

Sixty million dollars in rebates are being offered across Victoria to stimulate the state’s hospitality and entertainment sectors. The Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program will start on Tuesday 29 March, offering customers reimbursements of 25 per cent on eligible purchases across the state.

The Victorian Chamber welcomes today’s announcement of a landmark collaboration between State Governments to decarbonise logistics along the eastern seaboard.

The 2022-23 State Budget must enable business to play a leading role in Victoria’s economic recovery according to the Victorian Chamber.

Habits can be hard to break and I’m sure we all felt a bit uncertain last week as office workers started to return after the better part of two years working from home.

‘Building back business’ and ‘building for our future’ are the cornerstones of the Victorian Chamber’s submission to the Australian Government ahead of the 2022-23 Federal Budget.

The State Government is encouraging Victorians to experience the state’s renowned hospitality, tourism and creative industries with more than $100 million in rebates and vouchers, while businesses are also in line for $100 million in stimulus programs.

The Victorian Chamber was honoured to host former United Kingdom Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Theresa May MP, with members and special guests at an exclusive luncheon at the Palladium at Crown.

Did you know that starting a business in Victoria requires operators to navigate more permits and licences than any other state? The time it takes to jump through these regulatory hoops is just one of the costs of doing business in Victoria. The Chamber has listened to our members’ concerns about how these barriers are impacting them and has responded with this comprehensive report that provides the first benchmarking exercise of its kind in Australia.

In efforts to address current workforce shortages due to COVID-19 and aid Australia’s economic recovery, the Australian Government has amended visa conditions for student and working holiday makers.

The Suburban Rail Loop released its Business and Investment Case in August 2021 outlining how it will deliver more jobs, better services, and access to housing as Victoria continues to grow.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder and, I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a time when lockdowns are gone and we get back to enjoying the Victoria that we love.

Welcome to the August edition of Chief Executive Paul Guerra's monthly regional column - covering issues, news and developments important to Victoria’s regional businesses.