Yo-yoing in and out of lockdown destroys the certainty we all need and severely affects businesses, workers and the community. As we are starting to see around the globe, getting the vaccine is our ticket to freedom.  I wrote in the Herald Sun on Monday that we need to quickly up our game, or risk being left behind. 

Around seven per cent of the Australian population have now been fully vaccinated according to the Federal Health Minister, while overseas in places like the US and UK, around half the population have already had their second jab. Surely, we can do better here to protect ourselves, our loved ones, the community and economy. A successful vaccination rollout and immediate action to build dedicated quarantine facilities is key to our future health and prosperity.  

To accelerate out of COVID-19, let’s make it as easy as possible for Victorians to get the jab with 24-hour vaccination hubs, mobilising more GPs and pharmacists, and a successful online booking and availability system. It was pleasing to see this week the National Cabinet decide to make vaccinations mandatory for aged care workers and allow under 40s to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine if they wish. 

It is a personal choice to get vaccinated. But the only way we get back to normal and open up state and international borders is to achieve majority vaccination. As vaccination rates increase, so too should our freedoms. 

On that note, the ongoing restrictions in Victoria continue to hamper our hospitality, events and entertainment sectors. Restaurants, pubs, cafes, bars, event venues and entertainment complexes continue to operate under density restrictions, despite our state recording zero or extremely low community cases for days on end, which is continuing to hamper profitability. The ongoing requirement to wear masks in the office is also making it hard to attract workers back to the CBD, suburban and regional centres, especially in the depths of winter. The Victorian Chamber is advocating for the State Government to review the current settings sooner than the mooted timeline of next Wednesday. Let’s just get going! 

It’s never been more important to check in everywhere you are required to do so, and I was pleased that the State Government has begun reporting that weekly check in data as we recommended to drive compliance. The enforcement amnesty for some workplaces, including office buildings, ended last Thursday. The Chamber started to hear and read reports of businesses being fined for non-compliance, so please be vigilant and do your bit. 

We are also hearing that our local visitor economy is doing well these school holidays, partly due to interstate outbreaks, and it’s also a great time for a city-cation with the Melbourne Money scheme rebating diners back 20 per cent of their bill. If you’re lucky enough to be taking a break, I wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday. 

The Victorian Chamber is helping business more than ever and if you haven’t already, I encourage you to take advantage of our EOFY offer to join or renew by July 16 to get your full fee back in bonus credits and gain access to our biggest range of business resources, tools and expert advice. You also get 12 months to use your bonus credit! 

Victorian Chamber Events 

After postponing due to Lockdown Four, I am excited to share the new date for the Victoria Summit Vision Day is Friday 6 August at MCEC. The Victoria Summit 2021 will be instrumental to arresting the economic fallout that Victoria has experienced because of the pandemic and create a deliberate strategy to shape a new Victoria. I encourage you to learn more and get involved in discussion boards via the Summit website. 

Coming up in July are two rescheduled events, Victorian Chamber Presents Alan Joyce and Fast Forward Speed Networking. Tickets are still available so jump on to our website and don’t miss out! 

Regards,  
Paul. 

P.S. Do you know a brave leader? The Outstanding Leadership Award nominations are open now to recognise leaders who optimise courageous, kind, and inclusive leadership.