While I remain optimistic about the year ahead, there’s no doubt that business is facing a challenging 12 months due to a number of factors including high interest rates, energy costs, insurance premiums, ongoing labour and skills shortages and supply chain disruptions.

We will continue advocating strongly for measures that will help reduce the cost of doing business and create better conditions under which businesses can contribute to Victoria’s economic growth. Improving Victoria’s economic fiscal position is also something we will continue to speak with the Government about, as it’s fundamental to our future.

To help us address one of the most pressing issues facing business, I invite you to complete our current Business Voice survey on energy, in particular electricity and gas prices and how business can transition to a net-zero economy. The survey will take no more than three minutes of your time and all participants will go into the draw to win a $250 digital Mastercard. We would ask for your input before 5pm Friday 24 February please.

We got some great news this week as the Federal Government announced several changes to post study work rights for international students in response to the ongoing skills shortages being felt across most industries.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has consistently advocated for changes that would help expand Victoria’s skilled talent pool, increase work opportunities for international students and encourage investment in international talent.

The amendments enabling graduates to access greater work rights will significantly enhance Australia as country of choice for international students. This will improve Australia’s market competitiveness and strengthen the pipeline of skilled labour available to boost workforce participation.

Part of the announcement was that targeted skills will be considered on an annual basis and updated as needed in response to the labour market. We will continue ongoing conversations with our members to ensure that these changes provide the additional support required so that no industry is left behind.

Finally, I’m proud to be participating in Neil Mitchell and 3AW’s annual fundraising effort for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal: the 2023 Neil’s Cruise for the Kids. On Friday March 3, I’ll be cruising up and down the Yarra, helping raise money for the 92nd year of the Good Friday Appeal.

I’d love to see our members get behind this important cause on the day. As I told Neil last week, the business community can always be counted on, and the Royal Children’s hospital is a deserving benefactor of your generosity.

Have a great rest of the week and enjoy the final days of summer.