Unfortunately, we’ve seen record numbers on both fronts this week. Victoria documented its highest number of COVID-19 cases today, and yesterday we were given the results of the latest ABS unemployment data, which showed Victoria’s jobless rate has hit a 22-year high, rising to 7.5 per cent for the month of June. This equates to 265,700 Victorians who are now unemployed, an increase of 23,000 from the previous month, and 95,000 more than the same time last year.

Both sets of numbers delivered harsh blows to the people of Victoria – the communities, families and businesses who have been majorly setback with the return to Stage 3 Restrictions.

However, the news also really highlighted the need to invest in our young people and job seekers, to ensure they have the best opportunity to find employment throughout, and beyond the Coronavirus pandemic.

To this note, amid the bad news, it was pleasing to see the Federal Government announce a $2 billion JobTrainer skills support package, aimed at helping businesses retain existing apprentices and trainees and upskilling individuals to gain employment in growing sectors of the economy.

With a 60 per cent year-on-year decline in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements in Victoria, this announcement came at a critical time.

The Victorian Chamber has been calling for support for job seekers and school leavers to learn new skills to ensure they have the best opportunity to get through the recession among deepening unemployment, and we are pleased to see some of our recommendations adopted.

It’s vital that the free or low-cost training courses align with our state’s skills shortages and needs, not only in Metropolitan Melbourne but throughout regional Victoria.

While this funding is welcome, businesses need long-term strategic support to address historic declines in apprenticeship and traineeship commencement and completion rates. For more information, please read our media release.

Last week, I was delighted to be invited to stand with Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas and Minister for Industry Support and Recovery, and Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula, as they announced a substantial $534 million Business Support Package for those greatly affected by the economic fallout of COVID-19.

Developed in consultation with the Victorian Chamber and in close collaboration with the City of Melbourne, Australian Hotels Association, other industry associations and the business community, the package includes a range of support to help many hard-hit sectors get back on track.

While nothing compares to normal trading conditions, the support announced by the Andrews Government will help to stem business closures and job losses following the reintroduction of the tough restrictions across Melbourne and surrounding areas.

For more information on available funding, please read the full Victorian Government media release here. I know members will be eager to access assistance quickly. We will have more details on these new funds available via our website as soon as arrangements are confirmed by the Government.

On a final note, as the days, weeks and months go by since the beginning of our battle against COVID-19, it’s important to take a step back and reflect on your own wellbeing and that of your family, friends and colleagues.

We all need to be mentally fit, above anything else, to rise above the challenges ahead. You are not alone in the fight against coronavirus. The Chamber has fantastic advice on ways to look after yourself and your staff during this pandemic. Please visit our website.

Last week, the Melbourne Chamber held an MCC Leaders Forum webinar with Paula Allen, Senior Vice-President – Research, Analytics and Innovation at LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell, on the latest Mental Health Index data and how businesses can benefit from investing in workplace mental health practices. I highly encourage you to watch the replay, which includes a comprehensive presentation from Paula on the mental health impact of COVID-19.

Everyone at the Victorian Chamber stands with you during this difficult time, and you can contact us at any time for support.

I wish you all a good week ahead.

Victorian Chamber Webinars, past and upcoming:

We have recently launched a comprehensive library of all our recent webinars as a dedicated resource to assist you and your business through the pandemic. Whether you are looking for COVID-19 support, updates from State Government representatives, Fair Work Commission case updates or guidance around health, safety, and wellbeing, we have you covered. Check out the library here.

In the next edition of our COVID-19 Business Webinar on 30 July, we will be joined by special guest, the Hon. Jacinta Allan MP, Leader of the House and Minister for the Coordination of Transport – COVID-19, Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, to discuss how the State Government is managing the crisis. Click here to register. 

Do you have PPE Manufacturing Capability?

With the requirement to wear masks in certain situations, there is increased demand from businesses and consumers for local suppliers. Any members with PPE manufacturing capability can contact us for inclusion on a suppliers list. The Victorian Government has also asked the Chamber to help distribute an emergency supply of single use and reusable masks for essential businesses unable to secure supply. We will have more details once arrangements are finalised by the Government.

Victoria Tourism Industry Council

The Victorian Chamber has been providing services to VTIC under a General Service Agreement for the last 10 years, and we are proud of the role we have played in supporting VTIC and the visitor economy. As some of you may know, the VTIC Board is working through a process to determine their future direction. For our visitor economy members, rest assured the Victorian Chamber will continue to support you. 

Reminder

If you know of a business that is not already a member, please encourage them to take advantage of our 12-month membership waiver for any new entry level membership.