The State Government’s decision will impact Victorian businesses and our global reputation as a major events mecca and sporting capital of the world. The Commonwealth Games were to provide a significant economic boost to our state, attracting tourists, creating job opportunities, enabling trade with other commonwealth countries, and fostering business growth. Regional businesses that had been preparing to cater to the influx of visitors and participate in the associated contracts and sponsorships will of course be most impacted.

It sends a message of uncertainty, which looms to threaten future investment and partnerships. Withdrawing from hosting the Commonwealth Games will have far-reaching implications for our standing on the world stage. For example, recently I had a meeting in London with the Chair and CEO of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, to advance the opportunity for Victoria to become an Australian hub to foster trade within Commonwealth countries. This would have been a positive advancement for our members. This development is likely to have a negative impact on those plans.

At the Victorian Chamber, we strongly advocate for fiscal responsibility. Which is why we questioned Victoria’s ability to produce a financially viable Games when it was announced last year and were given assurances that the Games could be delivered. Things have clearly changed, but we know business is great at finding ways through adversity. Before the decision was made there could have been consultation with the business community on what other options could work. Our existing world-class sporting facilities, accommodation and hospitality offerings could have created a reimagined Games, ameliorating some of the brand damage associated with non-delivery.

With the decision on cancelation made, the Victorian Chamber will participate in the opportunity of informing the Government’s $2 billion regional infrastructure and housing package. We will continue to provide data and insights-led and policy-informed feedback on behalf of our members on how that money should be spent to benefit our economy and our regional communities. In our view, this fund also needs to address additional business and sporting event capture, trade facilitation, and a global marketing campaign to smooth the negativity the cancelation has created.

Another major issue for our members is mounting WorkCover bills, as a result of recent increases. We were engaged in negotiating with the State, but as I have reported previously, and you may seen in the media, the increase required by the Government to keep the scheme sustainable was 42 per cent. Without question, we need the scheme to survive.

But as we said it then, and it’s now playing out, the impact on business will be significant. Some of you are seeing much higher premiums, and we are acutely aware of the pressure this is putting on your business. We will continue to engage with the State to ensure our message on your behalf continues to be heard.

We have a number of events over the next few weeks, and I do hope to see you there. As always you can head to our website for a full listing of what’s coming up.

I’ll also be cheering on the Matildas tonight as they take to the field against Ireland in Sydney! It was great to see a sold-out crowd at Marvel Stadium for their friendly against France last week – and I’m sure they’ll receive a hero welcome when they return to Melbourne on July 31!

Finally, fresh off our Chamber Change (Women in Business) program being a finalist at the 2023 World Chambers Congress in the Gender Equity category, Business in Heels has today announced its judging panel for the Recalibrate – Gender Equity Awards 2023 which includes the Victorian Chamber’s Chief of Staff Chanelle Pearson. If you’re an organisation or individual doing great things for gender equity and inclusion, I encourage you to enter here.

Here is hoping for a smoother week ahead for all!