The Victorian Government has begun a review into regional tourism to better support tourism operators, encourage private investment, create more regional jobs and enhance local communities.

When it comes to energy, if we do nothing we are taking a massive risk. Since 2002, energy prices have increased by almost 200 per cent in Victoria. The Victorian Chamber continues to advocate to state and federal governments for sensible reforms that will bring energy costs under control.

The West Australian Industrial Relations Commission (Commission) has found that whilst a small business owner ‘had the right to dismiss’ a ‘good and faithful’ employee on the grounds of ‘rising employment and food cost and financial affordability’, he exercised that right ‘so harshly or oppressively or unfairly against the [employee] as to amount to an abuse of that right’.

A chef has recently succeeded in his unfair dismissal claim against a small takeaway restaurant after the Fair Work Commission (Commission) found the dismissal lacked procedural fairness, and deemed it harsh, unjust and reasonable.

The Victorian Government has introduced a labour hire licensing scheme imposing obligations on Victorian businesses who supply workers that work in, or deliver services to other businesses.

Latrobe City Council recently partnered with the Australian Defence Alliance to build on and promote the deeply experienced industrial capabilities resident throughout the Latrobe Valley to maximise commercial opportunities in the defence industry.

On Thursday 30 May 2019, business owners, representatives and stakeholders from across Melbourne’s Eastern region assembled at Ringwood’s Karralyka Centre for the Maroondah BizWeek Networking evening featuring special guest speaker Mark Stone AM, CEO of Victorian Chamber of Commerce (VCCI).

On Friday 24th May the Moorabool Shire Council hosted its first business breakfast. More than 100 local business owners and operators came together at the stunning St Anne’s Vineyards in Myrniong to network and listen to presentations on economic development issues.

Prahran Square is the City of Stonnington's $60+ million transformation of the old Cato Street car park in Prahran. When complete, the project will deliver around 10,000 square metres of multi-functional urban parkland sitting above 500+ car parking spaces.

Wyndham City’s large-scale solar project was recognised earlier this year, taking top honours with the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) Victoria 2018 Leadership in the Public Sector, Sustainable Communities and Environments Award.

Baw Baw Shire Council is the first council in Gippsland to sign up to a new initiative that will make it a lot easier for local businesses to do business.

Qantas, the ‘flying kangaroo’, has bounded into Bendigo, bringing with it our region’s first-ever commercial passenger service to the harbour city.

And so begins the new Financial Year. Reflecting on our advocacy work, the Victorian Chamber is proud to have been influential in securing several pro-business policies that will benefit members by lowering the cost of doing business and creating new business opportunities.

Victoria’s world-class wine industry has received some much-needed backing with the announcement of $2 million of funding to support the growth of the state’s wineries, increase visitors to wine regions, boost exports and support local jobs.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pleased to advise the Fair Work Commission has released the Final Determinations for the 2019 National Minimum Wage Order.

Whether you’re a start-up or an established small business, if you’re looking to protect and grow your business it’s important to get your head around the basics of intellectual property (IP) and avoid potential problems down the track.