Victoria's Business Briefing 20 August 2026

Just over 50 days until the Victorian State Election. We've got a packed schedule of member events and election-focused discussions still to come.

Acting Chief Executive Committee for Melbourne & Member Success Agostino Giramondo steps in for Sally Curtain in this week’s update.

Before voting on this Bill, members of the Upper House ask whether it makes the state a more attractive place to do business, to invest time, and to invest money.

I'm excited to share this fortnight's update from the inspiring Women in Leadership summit at Crown.

In this update, I reflect on a milestone fortnight for Victorian business, from a behind-the-scenes tour of Alstom’s Dandenong manufacturing facility and the Melbourne Ball to advocacy on work from home reforms and new leadership appointments.

Advocacy remains a key focus for the Victorian Chamber. Alongside other employer organisations and the Victorian Chamber Employers Association (VCEA), we’ve written to every Victorian MP, calling for practical amendments to proposed work from home legislation through a shared 10-point plan.

If you want a glimpse of Victoria’s future, look no further than Geelong. This is a city that has reinvented itself time and time again. It has bounced back from major industrial closures, embraced new industries and built a reputation as one of Australia’s most innovative regional economies.

Chief Policy and Advocacy, Amelia Bitsis, is joined by General Manager, Workplace Relations and Wellbeing, Amy Bell, to unpack what the work-from-home legislation means for Victorian business.

Sally Curtain is joined by Evelyn Ek from York Park Group to discuss how small businesses have been empowered to organically amplify their voices in policy debates, most recently regarding the Federal Budget.

The Federal Government has handed down its 2026–27 Budget, and while there are some positivesfor small business, the overall settings will increase tax and weigh down on business and investment.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and Committee for Melbourne (CfM) warn that today’s State Budget does not tackle the fundamentals business and households need to secure our future competitiveness and prosperity, but opportunity remains to reset course.

The Victorian Chamber continues to urge the State Government to exercise restraint when the State Budget is handed down, cautioning against broad, untargeted spending without delivering lasting economic benefit.