Melbourne Chamber member Westpac is urging Australians to be wary of fraudsters who are taking advantage of current cost-of-living pressures to rip off unsuspecting victims.

A new round of the Australian Government’s Digital Solutions Program is now running across the country.

According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, “any market economy will function much more effectively if the population is knowledgeable, forward-looking and financially literate”.

A new discussion paper launched by the Victorian Opposition encourages people to have their say on Victoria’s tax system – which has introduced 50 new or increased taxes since 2014 and is described as “discouraging investment and job creation in our State”.

With an increase in the volume and sophistication of cyber incidents, it’s never been more important for Australian businesses to strengthen their security.

The Victorian Government will not proceed with hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026, advising the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) that it will be terminating the Host Agreement.

In 2023, one thing is undeniable: the future is digital. Right now, research shows that 64 per cent of all Australians use digital skills in their jobs. Within the next five years, that number is expected to grow to 90 per cent.  

Consultation is underway to determine how Australia’s largest businesses and financial institutions disclose their impacts on climate change – and how this will have a flow-on impact on small, medium and family enterprises (SMFEs).

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry acknowledges that the land we live, work, learn and support business on is the land of the Traditional Custodians, collectively the Indigenous Communities of Victoria.

Two incentives to support small and medium businesses to train and upskill employees and improve their digital capacity are set to deliver more than $1.5 billion in tax benefits.

EOFY is the perfect time to review your business performance and set your goals for the coming year. Did you achieve what you planned this financial year? Look ahead to set new goals and re-align your business focus.

As the end of the financial year approaches, it's important for business owners and taxpayers to be aware of the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) key focus areas this financial year. Understanding these focus areas can help keep you on the right side of the ATO and minimise the risk of audits or penalties.

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

The Australian Government’s latest data reveals skills shortages remain across many sectors and in regional areas. If your business needs to fill its skills gap and future-proof its workforce, the Victorian Chamber can help through a range of training programs, staffing solutions, workplace support and more.

In 2022, Australians reported losses of more than $80 million to scams initiated on social media alone, up from reported losses of $56 million in 2021 and $27 million in 2020.

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) recently announced a Small Business Lodgement Amnesty Program to allow businesses to bring outstanding tax returns and business activity statements (BAS) up-to-date.