Strikes cost commuters. They impact Victoria’s liveability and tourism credentials, disadvantage retailers and result in lost productivity.

Our transport network is already under pressure from significant population growth. Network disruption is also taking place due to the Metro Tunnel and Level Crossing Removal projects. While this disruption is unavoidable, strike action is, and the Victorian Chamber calls on the RTBU to return in good faith to the negotiating table before more harm is caused. 

In other news, this month we reflected on our 168 year history at our annual President’s Dinner. During this occasion, we were delighted to honour our long-standing members, Hansen Yunken and Stokes and Bell for 100 years of membership with the Victorian Chamber, and celebrated five of our Executive Council Honorary Life members: Richard Elkington, Graham Sherry OAM, Peter McMullin, Peter O’Brien and Russell Sloan.

We thank both organisations and our Life Members for their ongoing support and invaluable contributions, and we look forward to continuing a mutually beneficial partnership - exchanging ideas & leading Victorian business into the future. 

Last week we were delighted to be joined by the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, Treasurer of Australia, as special guest of our Victorian Chamber business breakfast, where he launched an Implementation Roadmap for the recommendations of the Financial Services Royal Commission 

Some of the key responses outlined by the Treasurer included expanded ASIC powers and broader remediation, among other reforms to the financial sector.

The Implementation Roadmap states that by mid-2020 close to 90 per cent of the Government’s commitments will have been implemented – and by the end of 2020 remaining Royal Commission recommendations requiring legislation will have been introduced. 

On a final note, we are excited to be heading back to the iconic MCG on Wednesday 25 September for our annual Victorian Chamber Pitcher Partners Grand Final Lunch. We look forward to being joined by Australian sports broadcaster and Seven Sport host, Hamish McLachlan and AFL Captains Nathan Jones, Trent Cotchin and Dyson Heppell, for a compelling conversation about leadership, both on and off the field.

There will also be a father and daughter chat between AFLW Carlton Football Club player Lauren Brazzale and John Brazzale, Partner and National Chairman of Pitcher Partners. We look forward to seeing those who have registered there.