It’s a significant win and we applaud all sides of politics for showing leadership to work together on a solution that our state’s business and workforce so desperately needs to ensure our economic sustainability. I do also want to give credit to the Opposition who initiated a review, which in turn led to better outcomes for the WorkCover system.

The Victorian Chamber looks forward to playing a major role to ensure that a modern scheme is sustainable and affordable, and that includes the scope of Return to Work Victoria and the remit that it should have to also play a preventative role and foster improved outcomes for workers.

The Chamber is running a timely Prevention is Better than Cure: Webinar on 19 March, focusing on minimising risk and costs in the workplace.

In the meantime, the eyes of the world have been firmly on Melbourne this week as 10 Prime Ministers, alongside international political and business leaders, gathered in our great city for the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.

I was honoured to moderate the Digital Technology Panel discussion at the SME Conference and make the opening remarks at the Cambodian Business Forum where Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet gave a speech about reciprocal business opportunities for our countries.

Ahead of International Women’s Day on Friday, we hosted a Chamber Change ASEAN Collaboration Forum to inform delegates about our Women in Business Program, encourage partnerships and connections and promote gender equity. The event was an incredible success and was attended by representatives from seven countries, from organisations including Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Australia Philippines Business Council, NSW Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade and the Sarawak-Australia Business Chamber.

Thank you to our Chamber Change Champion Julia Swanson and former participant Karen Kim for sharing their insights with our guests.

It was also great to meet with Julia to discuss the opportunities that The Asia Pacific Financial and Innovation Symposium will bring to Melbourne on 16 April, attracting thousands of financial leaders from around the world to discuss artificial intelligence, technology, energy transition and social governance with an Asia Pacific focus.

This week we also met with Victorian Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio to discuss the critical state of Victoria’s energy supply and network. I reiterated our concerns over secure, reliable and affordable energy to get businesses through the transition to net zero.

As part of our commitment to advocacy, our team also met this week with the new Deputy Secretary Housing Statement Implementation, Jeroen Weimar to discuss housing affordability, and with the Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney about the challenges of skills shortages and the role apprenticeships can play.

It’s been great to see the city bustling and living up to its reputation as the events capital and I’m wrapped that the Australian Grand Prix is back this month! Record crowds are expected to flock to Albert Park and tickets are now available for the Victorian Chamber’s popular Grand Prix Breakfast held trackside at the Lavazza Atrium on the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit.

It’s one of my favourite events in the calendar, the atmosphere is always electric – this year attendees will hear from Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld and Chair Hon. Martin Pakula. And our special guest will be the voice of the F1, David Croft. David will take us inside the world of both commentary and the F1 ‘circus’ with his unique insights. If you watch the F1, you will recognise David’s voice, as he does the race commentary with professionalism and flair.

The AFL kicks off tonight, and we wish Andrew Dillon every success as he starts the season in his CEO capacity for the first time. I caught up with Kylie Rogers today and there is certainly excitement amongst the AFL Executive which is just fabulous. Go Bombers of course!

We love Marvelous March: Melbourne Fashion Festival has hit the runways, our theatres boast Tim Minchin’s Groundhog Day and Wicked, and footy fans are welcoming the return of the AFL and NRL competitions. The All Star Mile will be held at Caulfield and the Flemington Racing Spectacular boasts four major events each Saturday. The world’s best surfers are headed to Bells Beach for the Rip Curl Pro on 26 March and Melbourne will host the NBL and WNBL finals.

Also to note on your calendars is Global Entrepreneurship Congress which will be held 19-22 September and the Asia Pacific Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit 29-31 August - both at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

I’m proud to say my legs didn’t fail me and I made it to the top of Eureka Tower, we raised more than $6000 for 3AW’s Climb for the Kids in support of the Royal Children’s Hospital. If you can spare a few dollars, please donate to the Good Friday Appeal as it makes an enormous difference to sick kids and their families.

Don’t forget Moomba is on this long weekend. Be sure to get down to watch the parade, Birdman Rally or check out my favourite, the Moomba Masters skiing, in between all the other events our city has to offer.

We really are spoilt for choice!