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Nationally, parts of our economy continue to show signs of slowing down, with the Australian Chamber - Westpac Survey of Industrial trends showing a decline in manufacturing business growth.

However, there are some positive signs for business, with the survey also indicating an expected rebound in business profits. It’s pleasing to see businesses remain profitable and are expecting to take on new workers. A lower Australian dollar also supported a rise in exports.

Please go to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry website for further details on this survey.

In other news, the Victorian Chamber continues to engage with politicians and experts on the development of new workplace manslaughter laws.

Legislation is expected to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament before the end of the year. With fines of around $16 million and up to 20 years jail for employers, it is vital that the Government gets these laws right. 

Last week, the Victorian Government also released proposed environment protection regulations for public comment. 

The regulations have been developed after the introduction of new environment protection laws last year, which will come into effect on 1 July, 2020. 

The new laws will apply to all businesses.

The proposed regulations address multiple risks and environmental management issues. They also set out a new framework for licences, permits and registrations.

I encourage all members to provide a submission directly via the Victorian Government’s Engage Victoria website before 31 October, 2019.

You can also email the Victorian Chamber’s Policy team on policy@victorianchamber.com.au for help on this subject.

Finally, we are very excited to be heading back to the MCG on Wednesday 25 September for our annual Victorian Chamber Pitcher Partners Grand Final Lunch.

The event is a sell-out! We look forward to welcoming our guests on the day. 

I hope you all have a good weekend.