It feels like the goal posts have shifted from eliminating the virus to getting vaccinated as quickly as possible to fast track our reopening. Today the Victorian Chamber, on behalf of our members, customers and Victorian business, released our Victorian Business COVID-19 Recovery Roadmap which aligns with previous measures from the Victorian Public Health team and the National Cabinet framework, and is underpinned by the Doherty Institute modelling.  

Victoria can lead the nation by showing what a successful roadmap can look like, which lets people and businesses start planning and gives them something to look forward to. We need a plan to take us forward to not only come out of lockdown, but to stay open. The only way to come out is to open and the only way business will stay around to reopen is if there is a road map. You can check out the front page coverage in today’s Herald Sun on the roadmap and I encourage you to have your say on our website.  

It was fantastic to see the announcement Regional Victoria is reopening from tonight. Along with others, we raised the concept of vaccine passports months ago as a way of us learning to live with the virus and getting back to business. It was great to see the State Government flag a trial vaccine passport system for Regional Victoria when it reopens. The business community stands ready to assist in any way we can, and the Chamber supports this initiative. 

Vaccination is our way out of this pandemic. The Victorian Chamber is proud to be partnering with The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to deliver an important COVID-19 Vaccines: Your questions answered event on Monday September 20 that will address many burning questions about Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine program. You can register here. 

As we look forward to reopening, I am proud to announce the Victorian Chamber has launched our Employer Health Check this week - a new, free, interactive online tool created to help employers determine if they have sufficient processes in place. It takes just five minutes to complete, and participants can indicate if they wish to receive a free call from a member of our Workplace Relations or Health, Safety and Wellbeing team to kickstart their development using a variety of tailored resources through the Chamber. This is open to members and non-members, so make sure you head to our website and check it out. 

On behalf of the Chamber, I congratulated incoming Opposition Leader Matthew Guy who returned to the leadership yesterday. We know that our state is better with an effective Opposition and I look forward to working with Matthew and his team. I have also contacted Matthew with a request to meet so I can brief him on what business needs as we recover from the COVID-19 shutdowns. I have also contacted Michael O’Brien to thank him for his service and wish him well in his next phase. 

Lastly, let’s be COVIDSafe, use QR codes and get tested then stay home if you’re unwell to help give our public health team greater confidence to open up. 

Victorian Chamber Pitcher Partners AFL Grand Final Lunch 

It’s the biggest week in Australian sport and for more than 20 years the Victorian Chamber Pitcher Partners Grand Final Lunch has been one of the most exciting events during the Grand Final week celebrations. While it’s disappointing to lose the match to Perth this year, our annual lunch is one not to be missed with Richmond captain Trent Cotchin and Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson joining MC Hamish McLachlan for a live virtual discussion about the season, success and how to lead a team during challenging times - as well as answer some audience questions. Book your tickets today! 

Stay safe and enjoy your week ahead. 

Regards,  
Paul.