The 2020-21 Federal Budget included many key initiatives linked closely to our advocacy on behalf of our members. It’s a budget that will help rebuild post-COVID-19 Victoria by creating jobs and stimulating many sectors, including regional Victoria and tourism which has taken a big hit in 2020. A reminder that a full summary of the Budget can be found on our website for those who missed it.

The strong, business-led recovery strategy underpinning the Federal Budget must now be mirrored in next month’s State Budget. We will be strongly advocating to the Victorian Government to match the incentives for business spending from the Federal Government, by lowering business costs and encouraging investment, and of course generating local jobs. I will be meeting with the Treasurer on this next week.

Now that the Morrison Government has outlined its support measures, we must begin the recovery process by getting back to work right away. I have heard from some of you who have directly told me it’s hard to benefit from the stimulus in the Federal Budget while we remain unable to open and with limited confidence on what the future holds. This has, and will continue to be, the focus of my conversations with all levels of government.

Our members need certainty of reopening with the third step of the roadmap in metropolitan Melbourne due to come into effect on October 19. With case numbers remaining even lower in regional Victoria, it’s imperative we get businesses in these areas up and running immediately. I understand the sentiment, and I will continue to carry the message to the State Government about building confidence by reinforcing the contact tracing system and giving all business certainty for reopening.

This week also saw the Leader of the Federal Opposition deliver Labor’s Budget Reply, presenting an alternate set of budget parameters and commitments. Continuing the focus on a jobs-led recovery, and under A Future Made In Australia banner, the Opposition outlined its plan to rebuild the nation’s manufacturing industry, boost skills, bring industry expertise back onshore and increase women’s workforce participation.

A fortnight ago, I made direct representation to the Premier and to one of the key independent MP’s about our strong opposition to the Omnibus Bill currently before Parliament. It was appropriate that the Bill was changed, and the changes largely addressed our concerns. The original Bill proposed measures of power for authorised officers, ability to appoint officers without definition of who would be appropriate, and proposed new detention provisions that went a step too far. We welcome the decision to amend the Bill.

Finally, we have a jam-packed webinar line-up coming your way over the next two weeks! Make sure you check out our latest online offerings on our website:

COVID-19 Business Webinar with the Hon. Greg Hunt MP: Next Tuesday we have an exclusive briefing with the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Federal Minister for Health to discuss the latest developments in managing the pandemic.

COVID-19 Business Webinar on Future of Manufacturing in Victoria: With experts from CSIRO, Swinburne University and Boeing, we’ll be discussing how to prepare the sector for a new era of growth next Thursday.

Plus, our Health, Safety and Wellbeing experts will be hosting a webinar on implementing COVIDSafe Plans, our popular Fast Forward Speed Networking event is back and held online, and we also have an information session on the Canton Fair trade exhibition.

Finally, for a Grand Final lunch with a difference, grab your tickets on our website for the 2020 Victorian Chamber Pitcher Partners AFL Grand Final Lunch: Our annual Grand Final Lunch is back on Tuesday October 20 in what will be a huge line-up of stars hosted by Hamish McLachlan. It will be an online event with a difference!

For more details on all these webinars and Grand Final lunch, and information on how to register, visit our dedicated events page on our website.

Enjoy your weekend.