This year’s theme #EmbraceEquity encourages conversation about why equal opportunities aren’t enough, and true inclusion and belonging requires equitable action.

The Victorian Chamber is proud to play our part. Our team and Board are majority female. We also drive our own industry-led program, Chamber Change, designed to empower women in business to mentor, network and grow. We are pleased to open up sessions three and four to our members who would like to be involved.

The Victorian Chamber has also put together a video featuring some of our role models in business: Kristen Georgakopoulos, Executive General Manager People & Culture VicTrack, Kate Mannix, Board member and Chief Executive Officer AFS & Associates and Lisa Sweeney, Chief Executive Officer Business in Heels. You can view the video here.

Ahead of the Victorian Government’s State Budget which will be released Tuesday 23 May, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce released our submission on behalf of our 65,000 members and clients this week.

We have identified four key pillars under which our 68 recommendations sit: strengthening Victoria’s jobs and skills, building Victoria as the best state to own and operate a business, driving Victoria’s economy and growing Regional Victoria.

You may have seen some media coverage across radio, print and television earlier this week promoting some of our top recommendations, including the creation of a $200 million events attraction fund to secure world leading sports, business and cultural events. This should include a business plan for securing the Rugby World Cup 2027, the 2034 FIFA World Cup and COP27.

Some of our other recommendations include:

• Develop and implement energy efficiency incentives for businesses, such as tax breaks or grants, to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices.
• Increase the payroll tax threshold from $700,000 to $1.2 million across Victoria and to be comparable with NSW’s payroll tax rate, decrease the rate from 1.21 per cent to zero in Regional Victoria to increase regional attractiveness for business investment and growth.
• Conduct a review of state taxes, including the release of a green paper to identify the costs and benefits of state tax reform to inform long-term tax reform aimed at increasing increase Victoria’s competitiveness.

You can read more about our State Budget Submission here. 

It was wonderful to catch up with Turkish Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ufuk Gezer, Consul General Mr. Arif Eser Torun, Commercial Attaché Mrs. Hazal Oğuz Sarıkaya and Senior Trade Expert Mr. Idris Muslu at the end of last week and I reiterated to them that they and their country has the support of the Victorian Chamber and its members as they continue to rebuild from the effects of the tragic earthquake. They in turn expressed their gratitude for the humanitarian assistance they have received from the Australian Government and from companies like Crown Resorts.

Another exciting event to hit Melbourne is An Evening with President Barack Obama, who will share leadership tales with former Deputy leader and Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, at John Cain Arena on 29 March. Victorian Chamber members have been offered discount rates. More information can be found here.

Finally, I want to thank all the members and supporters who donated to Neil’s Cruise for Kids via the Victorian Chamber’s personal fundraising page. Along with 19 other participants we contributed more than $11,000 to Neil’s total of $216,000, which will help purchase vital surgery equipment. You can check out the full list of donors here.

Have a wonderful long weekend ahead!