I’m pleased to see the Federal and State Governments have expanded their blackout payments after a second storm hit Victoria plunging more than half a million businesses and homes into darkness.

The new criteria means households without power for seven days cumulatively will be eligible for $1920 per week, for up to three weeks.

Customers impacted by power outages may also be eligible for bill credits under the Victorian Guaranteed Services Level.

Energy security has never been more topical and the Chamber is looking forward to hosting our From Commitment to Action: The Journey to Net Zero lunch on Friday 8 March at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre – ticket sales close Friday as the event is almost at capacity.

Thanks to Net Zero Australia and our sponsors Origin Zero, Banksia Strategic Partners and CarbonNet Project for collaborating with us on this agenda-setting event.

It’s not the only exciting thing going on in our great city next week, as we will also be the host city for the 2024 ASEAN Australia Special Summit to celebrate 50 years since Australia became ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be in town to welcome many world leaders from the political, business, bureaucratic, trade and academic spheres.

I am looking forward to hosting the Southeast Asia Digital Transformation Panel on the first day of the Summit and the Chamber is also presenting a special Chamber Change (Women in Business) ASEAN Collaboration Forum as part of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s ASEAN-Australia Week activities.

Our Melbourne Chamber Members heard from Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas today during a private lunch where he outlined what to expect in May’s budget.

As readers will know, the Chamber has continuously presented a strong case on behalf of business.

Let’s see what the May budget will bring.

Our first Business After Dark event for 2024, sponsored by CareSuper was a big success with two hundred and seventy of you attending Marvel Stadium’s new Horizons Room events space which was extremely impressive.

A big congratulations to our Mighty Matildas who romped it home against Uzbekistan ten-nil in front of an enthralled crowd of 54,000 at Marvel Stadium and are now headed for Paris! Brilliant stuff!

Finally, and somewhat apprehensively, I’m thrilled to be taking part in 3AW’s Climb for the Kids at Melbourne Skydeck tomorrow afternoon.

The Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal brings out the best in Victorians whose generosity increases every year.

Every little bit helps - $1.50 earns us one step in the hike to the top of the Eureka Tower (3370 to summit) – the more you give, the more stairs I have to climb so make sure you give me a real challenge! I’m hoping I can make at least three trips!

It’s hard to find a better cause, so I’m calling on our members to dig deep to help Jacqui Felgate reach her goal of two million dollars to help buy life-saving equipment for the Royal Childrens Hospital.

Onwards and upwards!