Business

Economy
Victoria has extensive natural resources. Just off shore in Bass Straight crude oil and natural gases are bountiful which supplies the needs to about half of Australia's continent. The Latrobe Valley houses one of the world's largest deposits of brown coal, and provides more than 80% of the states energy needs. Victoria is also intensively farmed which provides more than 20% of the country's agricultural products. Victoria's tourism economy is also growing very rapidly, with international and domestic tourism fuelling growth in the hospitality, accommodation and travel sectors.

Hours
Business hours in Melbourne are generally weekdays 9am to 5pm with retail hours varying as the following:

• Weekdays 9am to 5pm
• Thursday and Friday late-night shopping until 9pm
• Saturday from 9am to 5pm
• Sundays from 10am to 5pm in the city and major shopping precincts
• Some supermarkets are open 24 hours during the week
• Extended trading hours apply during the Christmas period.

Tipping
Tipping is not common practice in Melbourne or Australia, even in restaurants and bars - however, tipping for good service, personality and quality has always been left to the patron's discretion.

As a general guide the tipping amount would be around 10% of the bill total. Hotels and restaurants in Melbourne and Victoria normally do not add service charges to their bills.