The Australian Open commenced in spectacular style on Sunday for the first time in the event’s history, which as I noted in the Age on Tuesday, has been a welcome boon for businesses in the experience, hospitality and accommodation sectors. There’s a fabulous mood and energy as you walk around the city, inspired by Asia Pacific’s only Grand Slam.

The vibe that our major events such as the Australian Open bring is perfectly captured in Visit Victoria’s new global tourism campaign, Every bit different. Congratulations to Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements and his team on this engaging campaign which highlights the diversity of experiences that our great state has to offer. It’s something the Victorian Chamber has been a strong advocate for, and we are delighted to support it.

It’s certainly been an active start to 2024. In the second week of January, Paul and I met with Acting Premier Ben Carroll and Treasurer Tim Pallas to present the Chamber’s view on the business agenda for the year ahead. Key topics of discussion included the cost and complexity of doing business, energy, trade and export and innovation. These conversations set the stage for a collaborative effort to navigate the evolving landscape and ensure the prosperity of our business community.

We also had the honour of hosting Andy Slavitt, one of the world’s leading health, business and technology experts, last week. Andy was US President Biden’s White House senior adviser for the COVID-19 response, President Obama’s Head of Medicare and Medicaid and significant contributor to the US’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). He is currently a Member of the President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology as well as being an acclaimed author and podcaster.

It was wonderful to read about Victoria’s thriving export sector, which is experiencing stellar success, notably in international food and fibre sales where record values have positioned the State as a national leader. This is a testament to Victoria’s world-class export opportunities through our leading farmers and producers, reaching all areas across the globe and employing thousands.

The Victorian Chamber plays a vital role in this process by facilitating the ease of exporting products into new markets. The Chamber’s provision of certificates of origin is instrumental in streamlining the compliance process, ensuring that Victorian exports meet the necessary standards and regulations.

For those seeking more information about certificates of origin and assistance in navigating the complexities of international trade, you can find more information here, including contact details for our expert team.

Finally, I’d like to draw your attention to the fact that some parts of the Federal Government’s latest reforms to the Fair Work Act (FWA) have now come into effect – the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023.

Further legislative change is expected to be debated next month - the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023. You can stay up to date on the changes here or via our team of expert workplace relations consultants, available to members through the advice line on 03 8662 5222.

 Have a wonderful week ahead and I hope you make it to the Open, or have the opportunity to take advantage of all the other many wonderful opportunities and events across the state, including amazing exhibits at our museums, a visit to Gumbuya World, attending a Big Bash League game, enjoying a city staycation at Crown or Oakwood, experiencing any of the many events being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, or a trip across the state to our stunning regional towns.