IGA WA State Board meets Bruce Billson

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

On the 9 August 2022, MGA held an exclusive meeting with the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, and his team to discuss several issues and concerns members are facing being barriers or hurdles to employing staff and growing businesses in Western Australia.

Bruce had to join the meeting virtually, but he was larger than life in his presentation. Deputy ASBFEO Director Alexander Hordern was also present at the meeting. MGA’s WA Director, Ross Anile and Jos de Bruin were also present and presented the board with an update of State and Federal activities.

Bruce is taking these learnings to the WA Small Business Commissioner, David Eaton, WA state Government, using many concerns raised as a policy framework to address the federal government. Matters discussed included: severe labour shortages, increasing immigration, relaxing visa applications, cost of wages, complex award system, Jobs Summit, state trading hours (Mandura & Xmas), payroll tax reductions, tobacco regulations and illicit tobacco, planning and zoning issues affecting fair competition, and expansion of Dan Murphy big boxes stifling fair competition.

This was the final meeting for IGA State Board Chair, Dean Carter from IGA Toodyay. MGA thanks Dean for his great leadership and welcomes the new Chair, Greg Rice.