Victorian businesses enter 2026, a year set to be defined by complexity, rapid change and cautious optimism.
Cost pressures, regulatory hurdles, taxation, rising interest rates and ongoing workforce challenges compel leaders to balance growth ambitions with disciplined financial management.
Leading Victorian businesses in a world of change brings together senior business leaders, economists and advisers to unpack what today’s economic and regulatory environment mean in practice.
The symposium will feature keynote speaker David Southwick MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, who will explore some of the key challenges and opportunities facing Victorian businesses – from economic resilience and productivity to policy settings and confidence in investment. A panel session will take a deeper dive into macro insights, detail prominent regulatory & compliance issues business are grappling with, and outline practical tools that can assist leaders with financial modelling and planning.
Key insights:
- As regulation increases, organisations face growing workforce and compliance challenges. This discussion will examine opportunities for positive change, the current regulatory landscape, and key breach case studies.
- Cost and interest rate pressures persist, meaning cash flow discipline and financial modelling are as important as ever.
- Adaptable businesses are better positioned, with flexibility, planning and smart use of technology creating a competitive edge.
- Confidence, clarity and informed decision-making matter more than ever, as leaders navigate uncertainty by turning economic insight into practical, forward-looking strategy.
A hot breakfast will be served.
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Date:
Thursday, 12 March 2026 |
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Time: 7:50am – 10:00am
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Venue: Grand Hyatt Melbourne
123 Collins St Melbourne VIC 3000 |
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David Southwick has been the Member for Caulfield in Victoria since 2010. ...
David currently serves as the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, along with the portfolios, Shadow Minister for Planning, Shadow Minister for Housing and Building, and Shadow Minister for Tourism and Major Events.
Devika Shivadekar is our Economist for RSM Australia based in our Sydney office....
She has a decade of experience in macroeconomic and financial research across both the public and private sectors, with a strong focus on the APAC region. She closely monitors key economic indicators—including growth, inflation, central bank policy, and labour market trends—to provide clients with informed insights
Tim Linke leads the national Financial Modelling services of RSM Australia, and is a Partner based in the Melbourne office....
With a background in Computer Science, Tim started his career in the data analytics field, working with financial information before tools like Tableau and Power BI became mainstream. He has since transitioned to providing specialised financial modelling services, and further enhanced his expertise with a postgraduate Masters degree in Applied Finance.
Rick Kimberley is a Partner in the Tax Services division and leads the Global Employer Services practice in Australia. ...
A unique focus of Rick and his team is developing bespoke technological solutions to tax problems for his clients. In addition to his technology-focused approach, Rick is best known in the market for his work in respect of wage compliance, particularly superannuation guarantee, where he has assisted some of Australia’s largest listed and multi-national corporations.
Evan Tsipas is a Partner of the Financial Services division in Melbourne. ...
Evan joined RSM in 2002 and has significant experience advising clients on investments, risk protection, superannuation, retirement planning and aged care matters.
