I issued a press release on Monday congratulating the Victorian Government for standing firm on its established policy where Christmas Day falls on a weekend, the public holiday would be held on the nearest available working day.

This policy provides clarity and consistency for the majority of Victorian workers and enables businesses to plan their expenditure, rosters and operations over the Christmas period.

Yesterday, the Victorian Government indicated it will review that policy, which is deeply disappointing for the Victorian Chamber. Our members plan their businesses around public holidays and it is unacceptable that their plans are thrown into disarray just six weeks before a public holiday occurs. Uncertainty like this is sure to impact on the confidence of Victorian businesses.

Last week, we welcomed support packages from both the State and Federal Governments in light of the closure of Latrobe Valley’s Hazelwood power plant and mine. For many of the affected employees, this will be a difficult time for them and their families, as they look for new opportunities after the plant closes in March next year. We encourage all Hazelwood employees to access the call centre and website that has been set up to get support and information.

Meanwhile, this week we were delighted to hold another excellent event with AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan, who was the guest speaker at last night’s Business After Dark event. Attendees learned from Mr McLachlan how the AFL became Australia’s premier sporting body and what the business does over summer to ensure its success during the AFL season. I hope that everyone who attended took away some learnings they can apply in their own businesses as we approach the summer shut down period.