Victorians, for the last month or so, have been able to wake up each morning and not worry about the virus circulating in the community, or if we were going to be locked down because of a breach. This is the livelihood we need to protect. Victorians worked extremely hard to get to where we are today, and we cannot afford another hotel quarantine breach. Our economy can’t afford that and business can’t afford that. 

 This week I reflected in the Herald Sun on six ways we can learn from the pandemic - including hotel quarantine - to help us prepare for the future. Our economy is roaring back to life, but if we cannot learn from what the state has endured throughout COVID-19, then we are setting ourselves up to fail. 

 The effective rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine is the best opportunity the State Government has to keep Victorians safe and to provide the confidence that businesses need to invest and employ so that we can rebuild the economy. It’s becoming clear there are issues with the availability of the vaccine, something the Federal Government are in control of. It just needs to be sorted, as we don’t want to see blame games. We want to see the State and Federal Governments work together to accelerate the rollout and get it done. 

 I know over the weekend there was reports of COVID-19 inspections occurring. You will have heard me make mention that I don’t think fining business at this stage was appropriate. However, the State Government will only be patient to a point, and we all need to ensure that we are doing the right thing. So please, make sure your workplace has its COVIDSafe Plan in place. While you are at it, just check in on your business next door to see if they have theirs in place, too. If we all find a way to work together, we increase our chances of reducing the spread of the virus. If you did have a visit from a COVID-19 inspector, I'd really like to hear about your experience.

 Finally, we have been meeting with various Ministers and the Treasurer on our State Budget submission. The response has been positive, and we plan to release our submission next week, so keep an eye out for it on our website and social channels.

Upcoming Victorian Chamber Events

Our Victorian Chamber events are ramping up! We have plenty on offer in the next couple of months including our premiere networking event, Business After Dark, at the George on Collins next week, followed by the official NAB AFLW Grand Final Lunch at Marvel Stadium next Friday. 

 We have another Fast Forward Speed Networking event coming up next month, and our next Victorian Chamber Presents event is one you do not want to miss. Join us for lunch on Thursday 10 June and hear from one of Australia’s most well-known and recognised business leaders, Alan Joyce AC, CEO of the Qantas Group. Head to our website for more information on all our events and details on how to register. 

Enjoy your week ahead.

Regards,
Paul.