Chambers need more government help: alliance chief

VICTORIAN Regional Chamber Alliance (VRCA) chair Jodie Gillett wants the State Government to provide more support to regional and local chambers of commerce.

Ms Gillett, who is also CEO of Commerce Ballarat, recently released a formal statement outlining why chambers need help.

She has written to Premier Jacinta Allan and relevant ministers, local MPs and the opposition detailing what she described as a lack of fundamental support for chambers of commerce.

In the statement, Ms Gillett said that lack of support was “particularly potent” in regional and rural communities.

She said the economic situation facing regional businesses was “dire” – and chambers of commerce were in a similar position.

“Chambers of commerce serve as a critical touchpoint for business owners seeking advice, development opportunities, networking, and business resources,” Ms Gillett said.

“They are an important link between businesses and all levels of government, advocating for policy and recognition where small enterprise lacks a voice.

“Chambers of commerce are lacking fundamental support to continue their purpose. In rural and regional communities, this fact is particularly potent.

“Businesses in this space often have different needs, resources, and clientele.”

Bendigo’s peak business advocacy organisation, Be.Bendigo, is a member of the alliance and was approached for comment but declined.

Ms Gillett said the VRCA wanted to remind government of the needs of small chambers and trade groups, as well as “the absolute value of funding local rather than national and state bodies”.

She said the State Government had recognised the value of chambers during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 by implementing a program of grants for them.

“It was recognised that investing in the boots on the ground was a far more effective use of dollars,” she said.

“This is equally acknowledged in The Small Business Friendly Charter, which emphasises supporting local business networks.

“The consensus among Victorian regional businesses is that the current economic situation is dire, and chambers are equally stretched.”

Ms Gillett said that with reduced sponsorship and membership due to the economy, it was becoming increasingly difficult to support local businesses – which she described as the engine rooms of local economies – without government support.

“We often observe funds being directed to national and state initiatives to deliver programs,” she said.

“Whilst we acknowledge the value of a systemic, wide-ranging approach we cannot help but emphasis the equal value in funding local organisations.

“This investment would not only keep regional chambers operational but would also ensure small businesses have the immediate resources required to thrive – and even grow.”