Sims backs call for better government support of chambers

BALLAN and District Chamber of Commerce president Laura Sims has backed a call for better State Government support of local chambers of commerce.

“It would be handy if the State Government looked at our chambers and what work we do with local businesses, and put maybe a bit more effort into that,” Ms Sims said.

Ms Sims’ comments follow those by Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett, who recently publicly called on the State Government to provide better localised support for chambers of commerce.

In her role as chair of the Victorian Regional Chamber Alliance (VRCA), Ms Gillett has written to Premier Jacinta Allan and relevant ministers, local MPs and the opposition outlining what she described as a lack of fundamental support for chambers of commerce.

In a prepared 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.

Ms Sims said her chamber had recently noticed what she described as a small decline in memberships.

“If the business climate keeps going like this…I understand that for small businesses something has to give,” she said.

Ms Sims said the Government’s efforts to help small businesses during the COVID pandemic had been a positive – a benefit alluded to by Ms Gillett.

“I was on the (chamber) committee at that stage, and we were able to tell them what businesses were most affected, and who needed the extra help,” she said.

“So I would welcome any help from the State Government to work in with our chamber.”

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

“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.”

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 emphasise 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.”