The proposed legislation will not pass this year as it has been sent to an Economy and Infrastructure Committee inquiry, which is due to report back in early February. We will ensure participation, but we also want timelines met so any amendments that come from the review can be achieved in time for legislation to pass before a decision on premiums are made.

Looking to the Federal Parliament, we’ve seen 81 amendments this week to the 2023 Closing the Loopholes legislation. The key areas of reform over wage theft, contract terms and the gig economy are complex. While not expected to be passed through the Senate until 2024, the Bill will have significant impacts on workplace relations (WPR) and safety. With our stellar team of WPR professionals ready to assist and explain, we urge you to get in touch with our team with any questions. At the Chamber, we have your best interests at heart and using the WPR support is one of the best ways to maximise your membership.

In one of my meeting highlights of the year, I had the incredible opportunity to meet with Australia’s G20 Sherpa from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Dr Angelia Grant throughout the week. The enlightening and engaging discussion centred around multilateralism, international engagement, international trade, global affairs and gender equity. It was such a pleasure to hear about how one of our country’s brightest minds is representing us on the world stage.

It was a great honour to join the Deputy Premier Ben Carroll at the grand opening of the new Melbourne office of our Melbourne Chamber member Davidson on Collins Street. Managing Partner, the formidable Clare McCartin, and her team are leaders in their specialities of Business Advisory, Search and Recruitment, and Tech Consulting. Proudly Australian, Davidson has a well earned reputation of excellence.

We are celebrating all aspects of the AFLW this week as we gear up for Sunday’s Grand Final when North Melbourne plays Brisbane at Ikon Park.

This afternoon we hosted 300 guests at the MCG for the Victorian Chamber’s annual AFLW Grand Final lunch. Fox Footy’s Sarah Jones leant her incredible talents to her role as MC, and it was a thrill to have our All-Australian Captain, Melbourne’s Kate Hore and All Australian Vice Captain Essendon’s Bonnie Toogood in the hot seats. Hearing about their personal journeys and passion for the game both on and off the field, was truly inspirational. Thanks to our major sponsor Pitcher Partners for sponsoring this event, which gets bigger each year.

I also had the pleasure of attending the W awards on Monday night at Crown and loved being in the room to celebrate as Richmond’s Monique Conti took out the coveted best and fairest medal.

While we’re on the subject of inspirational women, there’s just hours until registrations close for our annual Women in Business luncheon, with special guest speaker The Honorable Linda Dessau AC CVO, who will be on conversation with the newly anointed Nine News weekday co-anchor Alicia Loxley. This is a unique opportunity to hear from Victoria’s first female Governor about her experience and vision since leaving Government House. Secure your spot here.

Before I go, I’d like to take the opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution Neil Mitchell has made to Victorian airwaves and the profound influence he’s had on this community through his work at 3AW. Since 1990, Neil has been setting the agenda, looking out for business, and raising millions of dollars for community and charity work. He’s picked up more awards than I have space to list, so like many of you, I’ll miss my mornings with Neill, but wish him all the best for his next adventure.

Enjoy the first weekend of Summer!