The Victorian Chamber is engaging regional Victoria to speak with local businesses to inform a regional policy that focuses on increasing competitive advantage and investment.

Up to 750 small and medium businesses will have access to extra support to turn innovative ideas into business ventures after CSIRO expanded its SME Connect program.

I’m pumped after leaving the track this morning following our annual Grand Prix breakfast. It was great to see so many of you there celebrating this exhilarating event.

The Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) has opened a new $7.5 million round for innovative proposals that address key challenges.

The Victorian Chamber’s advocacy for a plan on how our state will transition to net zero has been further supported with a survey of our members which revealed that 86 per cent of businesses believe the move to renewables will impact the quality of their output.

Following months of strong advocacy on behalf of Victoria’s business community, I’m pleased to see WorkCover premiums will be frozen, with no increase on premiums for 12 months, after the State Parliament passed the WorkCover Scheme Modernisation Bill 2023.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), or Sustainable Business, is fast becoming a major consideration for businesses across the world and the Victorian Chamber is committed to being an enabler in this space by supporting our members on their sustainability journey.

It’s been another hot week, with bushfires raging and many parts of Victoria on high alert due to severe weather.

It was great to get back to Regional Victoria this week as some of the Victorian Chamber Team and I spent a couple of jam-packed days in Geelong.

With the state budget still months away, earnest discussions are occurring now to influence what will be handed down.

It’s not panning out to be the week we had hoped for. On one of the busiest days for many of our members, the lights went out.

I am proud to announce the release of our 2024-2025 Victorian Budget Submission. This comprehensive document, shaped by extensive industry consultation and survey data, presents 44 policy recommendations.

The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer has highlighted growing confidence in business despite a “collision of trust, innovation, and politics” in Australia and around the world.

I am thrilled to be back on deck after a summer break. While it hasn’t been our usual, hot summer, it was nice to have a break. I managed to spend a few days up on the Murray... the golf was good, the weather was nice, but sadly the river was suffering from the increased water from the rains that flooded the Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers. It’s an excuse to get back up there sooner rather than later though!!

It’s great to be back after a summer break, especially to return to the news of so many positive developments and accolades for our members.

The new year brings optimism and hope, and trepidation of what may lie ahead. While current and emerging conditions will continue to challenge our business community, the Victorian Chamber continues to have your back and advocate on your behalf.