Business rallies civic leaders to help forge a stronger Victoria

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is acting as the catalyst to unite Victorians and encourage a renewed focus to ease social and economic pressure facing our State. 

The alarm bells have been ringing for some time, and we can no longer ignore them.  

While media and social media conversation often focuses on negativity and division, the business community wants us all to pull together, focus on our strengths and build a positive future for Victoria. 

All sections of industry, education, media and labour must embrace the shared responsibility of restoring a strong economy and strong social fabric, to benefit all Victorians.  

A healthy economy and a connected community go hand in hand.  With the right economic conditions, business will create jobs and opportunities, which will bring people together and provide the building blocks for a fulfilled community.  

Strengthening and protecting a united future is not only a responsibility for government, it belongs to all of us.  

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Brendan Britten, used his speech at today's Victoria Votes lunch to call for action, saying our state’s greatest strength has always been its people. 

In coming weeks, we will bring together business, labour organisations, community, academia, sport and media organisations to drive thoughtful and meaningful solutions to the serious issues we are confronting. 

To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Acting Chief Executive, Amelia Bitsis: 

“There is a strong sense that the glue holding Victorians together is not doing so anymore, which is a great concern for the business community. 

Around the world, we’re seeing the consequences of division being allowed to deepen unchecked. Victoria needs to learn from these experiences, rather sleepwalk into a similar situation. 

The business community will unite to help strengthen connections and bring people together around a simple principle: we can disagree without losing respect for one another.” 

Media contact: [email protected], 0423 883 945