The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the peak body for business in the Australian state of Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients. Founded in 1851 with headquarters in Melbourne, the influential employer group is focused on leading business into the future by providing policy leadership, information, representation, training and networking opportunities. As a major shareholder of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Victorian Chamber plays a critical role in policy development at both state and federal level. Campaigns centre on securing practical and direct gains for Victorian business in areas including workplace relations, taxation, regulation, infrastructure and skills. With an annual turnover of $40 million, the Victorian Chamber employs around 220 staff across its Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Wodonga and Traralgon offices.
History
The Victorian Chamber was founded as the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce in 1851. It was Victoria’s first business organisation. The Chamber’s members – bankers, accountants, financiers, merchants, importers, lawyers, ship owners and agents, manufacturers and stock, share and product brokers – sought to advance trade and commerce and make Melbourne one of the world’s great free ports. It helped to establish the Melbourne Harbour Trust and Marine Board. In October 1986, the Chamber changed its name to the State Chamber of Commerce and Industry , which merged with the Victorian Employers’ Federation to become the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1991, serving Victoria’s small and medium enterprises. In November 2015, the Victorian Chamber underwent a rebrand and name change to the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in line with rebrand of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, demonstrating a commitment to a common national purpose through a shared identity and voice. In 2013, the Victorian Chamber re-established the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, which specifically caters for Victoria’s leading corporations across all sectors of the economy.
Core divisions
- including formal submissions to government arising from Policy Taskforces and quarterly member survey
Industrial and workplace relations - including member helpline and representation at the Fair Work Commission
- founding member of
– including a range of nationally recognised qualifications and short courses
- including trade documentation, import/export consultancy, Victoria-Jiangsu Business Placement Program and China e-Commerce Platform
- including programs
– including incident investigations and advice on Workers’ Compensation
Executive Director, Policy and Advocacy - Bryce Prosser joined the Victorian Chamber from CPA Australia in 2015.
Executive Director, Commercial Services - Michael McCallum joined the Victorian Chamber in 2016 after holding several senior commercial leadership positions.
Executive Director, Operations - Scott Veenker joined the Victorian Chamber in 2016 after more than 20 years' experience in banking and finance.
Executive Director, Melbourne Chamber of Commerce – Dianne Smith joined the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce in 2016 after more than 20 years' in the tourism industry, which included four years as Chief Executive of VTIC.
Publications
Business Excellence – quarterly Victorian Chamber and MCC member magazine
Tourism Excellence – quarterly VTIC and VEIC member magazine
Survey of Business Trends and Prospects – quarterly results booklet
Latest policy papers: Strengthening the Competitiveness of Victoria's Higher Education Sector, Regional Victoria Means Business, Reforming the Victorian Vocational Education and Training System, Small Business. Big Opportunities
