You can check out some of the key highlights here. The most pressing issue businesses are facing right now is skills and labour shortages and the Victorian Chamber was pleased to see measures to ameliorate this in the Budget including maximising workforce participation among women, pensioners and international students.

A commitment to apprentices and trainees in Victoria through the Australian Skills Guarantee, New Energy Apprenticeships and New Energy Skills programs was also good news to help power Victoria’s future.

Meanwhile, it was wonderful to host another successful Business After Dark event with more than 260 people attending the RACV City Club on Tuesday evening. Thank you to RACV City Club General Manager Rob Everett and CareSuper Head of Business Development and Growth, Stewart Pender, for your outstanding support and engaging presentations.

I’m looking forward to the Victorian Chamber and Herald Sun’s special one-off event, Future Victoria next Friday November 4. This is an exclusive opportunity to hear from business and political leaders including Treasurer Tim Pallas, Opposition Leader Matt Guy, Crown Resorts CEO Ciaran Carruthers, Herald and Weekly Times Chair Penny Fowler and Visit Victoria Chair Janet Whiting AM. Victoria is at a crucial juncture and we must harness the best and brightest ideas as we look towards what Victoria could look like in 2030.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival kicks off this Saturday with the Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, the epitome of Spring Racing elegance, followed by the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup, next Tuesday. Let’s hope the weather gods smile on Flemington!

Melbourne was certainly at its best on Sunday evening when 90,000 Indian and Pakistani fans watched an historic clash between the two nations at the MCG for the T20 World Cup. It was an unforgettable night and beamed Melbourne to millions of people around the world. As I told the Herald Sun, it’s now time to consider staging an India v Pakistan test match in Melbourne.

Finally, I am excited to announce that episode one of the Victorian Chamber’s new podcast, Business Voice, has been launched and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. I am looking forward to speaking with business leaders over the coming weeks as we explore what it is that business needs as we count down to the State Election on November 26. Feedback welcome, just remember to like and subscribe!

Enjoy the long weekend and here’s hoping you back a winner!