CEO Welcome

Welcome to our Autumnal edition of the Independent Retailer Magazine. At the time of writing, many of our members and the communities in which they trade, are in the midst of an unmitigated natural disaster.

The East coast of Australia has been battered with unprecedented inclement and destructive weather events. Southeast Queensland and New South Wales have been particularly devastated by a plethora of unprecedented rain bomb activities causing catastrophic flooding events never seen before. In NSW the Northern Rivers, Hunter Valley, and Sydney itself have been struck an almighty blow with destruction by flood waters and the massive clean up to follow.

MGA TMA sends members, member families, and customers our heartfelt best wishes for a speedy return to normality. Easier said than done– but true to the Aussie way, we will stick together, and we will help and support each other through this catastrophe.

On the other side of the country, our Western Australia (WA) members experienced their hottest summer on record throughout January and February. Perth recorded 13 days of 40C temperatures in Perth, as well as a record number of days over 35C. Several regional towns broke summer records.

Late January 2022, unprecedented heavy rain and flooding events took place in Central Australia, causing key railway supply routes in central Australia, connecting SA with WA, to be cut off for almost a month.

The WA Border opened on 3 March after locking people in and out of WA for almost two years.

Australians are learning to live with COVID-19 with many restrictions now lifted. All state and territories have now achieved double and triple vaccination levels. Accordingly, the need for QR Code check in and wearing of masks has been removed. Many industries such as hospitality, will take a long time to recover.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine commenced at the end of February and is impacting global fuel and energy prices as they escalate to unsustainable levels.

On a brighter note, MGA TMA congratulates board members Debbie Smith and Grant Hinchcliffe, elected as President and Vice President of MGA’s Board, respectively.

The year has commenced at a demanding pace as states and territories develop and fast track their small business recovery and growth initiatives. MGA is an active participant in most state and Federal business recovery task forces and committees, continuing to play a vital role in shielding members from unnecessary bureaucracy and cost burdens.

MGA TMA members have a dedicated and highly qualified team of professionals to assist members with back of house issues and matters of concern, and a very capable and competent Board of Directors, MGA National Liquor Committee and MGA TMA Management Committee to assist MGA TMA being vigilant and focussed on matters of utmost importance to members.

MGA’s Employment Law team has completed the Annual Wage Review, lodged with the Fair Work Commission in March, for consideration in the annual national wage case. MGA recommends a minimal wage increase be considered given the volatility of the market, increasing costs to business and increased competition - the “big are getting bigger”.

Until the next edition MGA TMA wishes all members and families well in these uncertain times. Take care.

Jos de Bruin Chief Executive Officer