For some of our members, it would have been more cost efficient to reduce trading hours or stay closed on the Easter Sunday public holiday. The Victorian Chamber continues to advocate for Victorian businesses that must foot the bill for having 13 public holidays, a number matched only by the Australian Capital Territory.  

Our advocacy on pro-business policies, like increasing the payroll tax threshold, will receive much attention in the lead up to the State Budget on Monday 27 May. We will be monitoring any announcements in advance of the budget to inform our members how these will impact them.

In other news, we have recently launched our upcoming Victorian Chamber Presents event, featuring Australian criminal and human rights lawyer Rabia Siddique.

Earning an international reputation as a powerful and transformative speaker, Rabia will join us for a breakfast on Thursday 30 May to deliver what is sure to be an inspirational keynote address.

Rabia is a retired British Army officer and former terrorism and war crimes prosecutor, who garnered global attention after fighting and winning a landmark discrimination case following her involvement in a hostage crisis in Iraq.

Book your place today to join us and hear Rabia’s impactful stories and vision for equality and global change. 

Last week, President of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Don Rankin and I, announced that I will step down at the end of this year after over eight years as Chief Executive – read the statement here.

Having agreed on this direction together, the Board has welcomed my commitment to continue in the role until the end of 2019 to complete several strategic initiatives and ensure a smooth transition.

I am incredibly pleased to have been able to work with and represent the interests of your business, and look forward to working with you over the next eight months and in my next role. I have full confidence that the team and my replacement will build on our success to create a better business environment in Victoria.