We know this is also a challenging period for business as it deals with ongoing global economic pressures that are reverberating locally. Business is the heart of economy and community and easing the cost of doing business will continue to be a major focus for us over the coming months as we head up to the Victorian Election in November.

The State Government announced a significant ministerial reshuffle over the weekend and I’d like to acknowledge the departing ministers, Martin Pakula, James Merlino, Martin Foley, Lisa Neville and Richard Wynne and thank them for their outstanding service. We also congratulate and welcome the new ministers and look forward to continuing to strongly engage with them to advance business and industry.

I’ve already met with the new Minister for the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Ben Carroll, to ensure that business continues to have a strong voice and we can achieve our shared goal to make Victoria the best place to live, learn, work and operate a business.

I’d also like to congratulate Victoria’s new Deputy Premier, Jacinta Allen. We are looking forward to hosting her in her new capacity at our upcoming Victorian Chamber Regional Business Lunch in her local electorate of Bendigo on Friday 22 June. This will be a great opportunity to hear from our Deputy Premier on a range of crucial issues in the lead-up to the State Election. Seats are still available, so book now if you haven’t already.

Next week we will be traveling around the state to reconnect in person with regional business owners and leaders as part of our Policy & Advocacy Roundtables. It kicks off in Shepparton on Thursday 7 July with Wodonga the following day and I look forward to engaging with as many members as possible with our Policy and Executive Teams to ensure the Chamber’s Regional Election Platform reflects regional businesses priorities and concerns. Head to our website to see which session is closest to you and secure your seat to this opportunity.

The Chamber recently participated in an industry roundtable on international student employment co-chaired by the Chair of the International Education Advisory Council, John Brumby AO and the Secretary of the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Simon Phemister. It was agreed that we would all pledge to play our part to tap into the international student labour market and see them as the as the skilled migrants of the future who will help solve critical skills shortages in industry.

Finally, I’m sure you would have seen yesterday the Australian Bureau of Statistics has released the findings of the 2021 Census taken last August. This information is vital to Australia’s development and provides an insight into the scale of future health, business, transport, infrastructure and education needs as well as other essential services required across the nation. This data is also valuable to us as it better informs us about how Victorians live, work and play, and will help shape our policy and advocacy.

Have a wonderful week and, for those are heading away, safe travels and enjoy the break.

PS. It was wonderful seeing so many members at our Business After Dark event last week! A big thanks to Greg Kahan and the rest of The George on Collins staff for hosting such a fantastic evening.