The Victorian Chamber is here for your business. We work closely with our members, stakeholders and government officials to create a better business environment

The Chamber is working overtime to ensure business remains our number one priority. As we have done right through the pandemic, we are continuing to advocate strongly on behalf of our members with all levels of government in what will be a critical year with both federal and state elections.

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.

While public health orders can be complex and confusing, it is important that employers understand their obligations to remain compliant. The Victorian Chamber can help you make sense of these requirements.

Yesterday we celebrated International Women’s Day, a global event marking the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and amplifying the call for diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has deemed an employee’s redundancy unfair despite accepting the business no longer had a need for the position. The decision was based on a failure to demonstrate compliance with award obligations.

Among the many profound impacts COVID-19 has had on our workplaces, the toll the pandemic has taken on the wellbeing of employees is something we are only beginning to grasp as more of us return to the workplace.

Great news this week with several positive developments to set us on a cracking pace for our state’s COVID-19 recovery.

In two landmark decisions, the High Court has indicated a significant shift in focus when determining whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor.

After much debate the Morrison Government will not continue with legislation that included provisions to make discrimination on the grounds of religious belief or activity unlawful in a range of areas (including employment and education).

The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce legislation that will make COVID-19 testing expenses tax deductible for individuals and businesses when used to attend a place of work.

It’s the report that you helped us create, and one that might well sharpen the focus on what Victoria needs to do to be the best state to operate a business in. I’m very proud of to release the Cost and Ease of Doing Business in Victoria Taskforce Report.

Throughout early 2022, the Victorian Chamber has been encouraging businesses to review their employment contracts, practices and alerting them to the support available.

Enterprise agreements made before the introduction of the Fair Work Act 2009 are increasingly in the spotlight. If you have a pre-2009 enterprise agreement or are planning to renegotiate an old enterprise agreement, read on for practical tips to help you get on the right track.

As working from home continues in 2022, employers must manage the associated safety risks.

When hiring staff, businesses often roll out the same employment contract they have been using for years, updating basic details without considering whether the terms and conditions are appropriate for the role. When it comes to engaging new employees, a more considered approach should be taken; we shouldn’t set and forget.