Welcome to the first edition of our new Business First format! I hope you enjoy the content, which we have tailored to your selected interests and preferences. As always, we’d love your feedback.

The Fair Work Commission has found that an employee was unfairly dismissed because of two negative Google reviews received by the business. The dismissal did not show evidence of serious misconduct or a reason for dismissal that is ‘sound, defensible or well founded.’

The chronic nationwide worker shortage is the biggest obstacle to Australia’s economic recovery. In a globally competitive environment, we need to make sure Australia is renowned as a great place to work, build a career and base your business.

The Victorian Chamber welcomes the State Government’s recommendation for businesses to implement their own mask and working from home arrangements as we deal with the current rise in COVID-19 cases and other illnesses.

A judge has ordered an employee working in correction services be reinstated despite falling asleep on the job.

Updated regulations announced by the Victorian Government allow employers to collect a worker’s COVID-19 vaccination status for their own workplace obligations.

The start of the 2022-23 financial year also ushers in a raft of new costs for businesses with wages, superannuation and energy prices rising from today, July 1.

The end of the financial year is upon us as are the school holidays. It’s great to see so many people travelling again, particularly to our regional areas, and supporting local businesses.

The Victorian Government recently announced changes to the state’s vaccine mandates.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (EOHRC) has launched a survey of businesses to help close the gender pay gap in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The sooner a business acts on workplace conflict, the more likely it is to achieve a resolution. Managing conflict quickly can reduce ongoing disputes and reduce legal risk

Victorian Chamber members have joined forces to undertake an important study on the state of the Human Resources (HR) sector in the wake of the pandemic.

As the recent Federal Election demonstrated, climate is a major focus for many Australians as well as business. Next Tuesday June 21 the Victorian Chamber will present our Why Sustainability is Good for Business breakfast at Crown. It comes as the Centre for Economics and Business Research released its ARCADIS Sustainability Cities Index today and Melbourne’s ranking dropped to #60 from its previous ranking at 56.

The return to the office in the CBD continues to be a big talking point. We know it's not limited to just Melbourne, as virtually every CBD across the globe is dealing with the challenges of attracting office workers back. 

Winter has certainly made a dramatic entrance, and with rain, icy winds and even snow falling in some areas across Victoria, cases of cold and flu, COVID-19 and other illnesses are continuing to increase which is presenting many challenges for businesses. The State Government’s decision to provide free flu vaccinations to all Victorians aged over six months during June is a timely one.

After six weeks of campaigning, Australians have elected our 31st Prime Minister. The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulates Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their victory and we look forward to a strong and productive relationship with the incoming Federal Government.