Peak bodies merge to create “a stronger voice” for Melbourne

The Committee for Melbourne and the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to advocate for a “united vision” for Greater Melbourne.

Sitting under the umbrella of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce will merge with and be renamed Committee for Melbourne (CfM), becoming the city’s leading advocacy body.

VCCI president Adrian Kloeden and CfM chair Scott Tanner said the decision had been driven by shared values and goals to see one united vision that benefits all Victorians and industry sectors.

With Melbourne forecast to reach six million people by around 2030, the new-look CfM said the time was right to unite and “work closely together”, with the Victorian Chamber to continue representing business across the state.

It said the merger, via asset transfer, would combine the expertise and resources of the two organisations enabling “a greater ability to shape and affect policy in a key number of areas such as housing, infrastructure, business attraction and the broader economy”.

Mr Tanner, who was joined by chief executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Paul Guerra at Southbank Promenade on July 12 to announce the merger, said it would “strengthen the depth and breadth of the committee”.

“In keeping with the integrity, value, and spirit of our respective organisations, we will ensure that the interests of all members continue to be represented, reinforcing our commitment to making Greater Melbourne a vibrant and thriving environment for both businesses and the broader,” Mr Tanner said.

Mr Guerra said despite the current economic downturn affecting the globe, Victoria’s one great advantage was its relationships.

“The two organisations coming together today to cement those relationships mean we can now represent business back in the government,” Mr Guerra said.

We know it’s going to take the private sector to help Victoria to recover, now we have an opportunity to strongly engage with the government.

Mr Guerra added that membership within the proposed newly combined organisation would only be further enhanced.

“These benefits include access to the full suite of the Victorian Chamber’s services, including export certification, workplace relations specialist support, apprenticeship services and training programs,” Mr Guerra said.

“Ultimately, our organisations exist to serve Victorians and we are incredibly excited about what this next step has in store for our members, who now have the full weight and support of this merger behind them.”