Our survey last week yielded 503 responses, with half of the respondents stating that they won’t need to replace their gas appliances for the next 10-20 years. Asking these businesses to change over appliances from gas to electricity will significantly impact their cost of doing business.

The recent power outages have also taken a heavy toll on business, with 73 per cent of survey respondents forced to close or significantly reduce their operations as a result.

A big thank you to all who took part in the survey – your insights are invaluable.

On Friday at Victorian Chamber Presents: From Commitment to Action - The Journey to Net Zero event, sponsored by Origin Zero, Banksia Strategic Partners and The CarbonNet Project, I urged business leaders to continue to ‘call out the BS’ and rely on the data, rather than the ideology.

We cannot get to Net Zero on a hope and a prayer.

The 320 guests heard from an expert panel and former Australian Chief Scientist and NetZero Australia Chair Robin Batterham, who reiterated what we already know; that the path to renewables will be expensive – and it will be business that bears most of the cost.

We need all energy sources to be considered – including gas, coal, solar, wind and hydrogen.

South Australia is actively capitalising on what it deems as Victoria’s anti-gas policies and high taxes – trying to lure businesses across the border.

And there is a real risk they may find traction with the announcement of manufacturer Seeley International fleeing Albury, blaming the Victorian Government’s ‘reckless transition away from gas’.

Our renewed call for a plan to net zero is gaining traction and the attention of media with stories appearing in the Herald Sun, AAP, The Australian and 3AW .

We are committed to the ambitious State Government target of 95 per cent renewables by 2035, but we must see the path ahead to achieve it – our futures rely on it. As I said on Friday, I did meet with the Minister last week and she has committed to providing the plan.

Victoria’s transition to a renewable economy is predicted to create 10,000 new jobs each year until 2030. It will be a significant new industry without doubt, and we can be a global leader if we get it right.

It was great to speak at the ITECA Skills Training Business Summit on Tuesday, it’s no secret we are facing a skills shortage.

But one way through this crisis is skills training – at the Chamber we offer a wide range of on and off-site training that can assist in making sure your workforce is up-to-date and able to do the job, which in turn assists in skills retention. Upskilling and micro-credentials future-proofs the workplace and also ensures employees know they are being invested in and can see progression in their careers.

I want to commend Melbourne Chamber of Commerce member Bunnings for reclaiming its title as Australia’s most trusted brand, edging out Woolworths, Aldi, Kmart and Coles.

Congratulations to the teams of Melbourne Chamber of Commerce members AFL and Delaware North on the opening of the new event and hospitality spaces at Marvel Stadium last night. There is no doubt the venue is transforming into a true world class multi-purpose venue.

Finally, make sure you book your ticket to the Victorian Chamber Grand Prix Breakfast – this is one of the best days on the VCCI events calendar and this year we have the voice of F1 – commentator David Croft to entertain us!

It will be the ‘Torque’ of the Town so don’t miss out!

Have a great weekend.