2017
Annual Report
2
PRESIDENT’S
REPORT MGA’s Board of Directors have had a very busy year identifying members’ business needs and many matters of concern that affect the viability and sustainability of their businesses. First and foremost, I wish to thank MGA’s dedicated and committed Board of Directors for the enormous amount of time, enthusiasm and energy they put into the running of MGA. On behalf of MGA’s Board, staff and members I wish to acknowledge that our NSW / ACT Director, Andrew Bray, who has served as MGA Director for almost 9 years, has tendered his resignation. Andrew has been a successful multiple store owner and operator in country NSW and Sydney for close to 20 years. Andrew and Suzanne decided to sell their last remaining store located in Castlecrag, Sydney in May 2017. This being the case, Andrew felt it was time to step back from the industry he has embraced and cherished for so many years. Andrew’s positive energy and enthusiasm, business acumen, knowledge and outstanding experience and capability will be missed. Thank you Andrew and Suzanne Bray for your dedication and commitment. Members can be assured that under the stewardship of this Board of Directors, and the strong MGA management team and staff we have working for our industry, that MGA is a viable and strong employer industry association with a clear direction that is well prepared for any future opportunities and challenges that may face MGA members. MGA membership remains stable around Australia with modest membership growth coming from a number of new greenfield developments. Many members have invested significantly back into their businesses. This is a great sign of confidence and certainty that out industry sector is able to more than compete with the chains to win over consumers with our customer service and unique local product ranging. A challenging competitive retail environment continues to be the norm and is as intense as ever, particularly in SA and WA where ALDI have begun to roll out their stores in many key locations around Adelaide and Perth, as well as regionally. We applaud our SA and WA members, most of whom have put investment strategies in place to refurbish, modernise and increase their customer offer, with a view of providing customers with a more improved customer and shopping experience – something the chains cannot do like the independents. MGA 2017 Annual Report
By far the biggest issue risking the viability of members’ businesses is the enormous escalation of energy prices. This cost alone is now, for many members, the 3rd highest expense to conduct business and its only looking to get worse. As we all know our margins are paper thin, and we can ill afford dramatically rising energy costs if our stores are to remain viable. MGA has been strongly advocating for immediate action to help reduce the energy cost burdens with federal politicians and the ACCC. State and Federal Governments and bureaucrats also continue to challenge our sector with additional regulations and laws that create a plethora of red tape restrictions and cost burdens for our members. Some examples include; liberalisation of trading hours, tobacco regulations, takeaway food labelling; liquor regulations, Workplace Health and Safety matters, workplace relations and employment law issues and so the list goes on. MGA is dedicated to minimising these burdens facing members. On a brighter note MGA has achieved a number of significant wins for members too. These wins could not have been possible without the collaboration of members, industry stakeholders and other industry associations. These include, the reduction in company tax rates for businesses with sales of $50m and under, the reduction of Sunday penalty rates from 100% to 50%, the ongoing ACCC enforceable undertaking by the 2 major chains that restricts shopper dockets to 4 cents per litre, the strengthening of competition law by introducing an effects test into section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act – misuse of market power and the constant engagement for action with governments, concerning the availability of illicit and illegal tobacco. MGA’s support services continue to improve, with members constantly letting me know how pleased they are to be able to freely call their industry association to avail themselves of first class legal and HR support, cutting edge compliance and professional development training courses and advice concerning energy efficiency strategies, all for a very reasonable membership fee. MGA’s higher purpose is to “make life easier” for members in everything we do. This is a way of life at MGA and is incorporated into everything that is done for members including all forms of communication, website navigation, up to date business intelligence and
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information, online training courses and master classes in employment law.
Jos de Bruin. He continues to leave no stone unturned in his determined efforts to challenge the increased costs or regulatory burdens being placed upon us. He is the tower of strength & the driving force behind the MGA initiatives that make your MGA the best industry association & I urge all members to use the many services on offer which will definitely “make your life easier”.
These services are provided every day by the passionate & dedicated MGA team and I wish to acknowledge their continued efforts to “make life easier” for all us retailers. MGA has a very exciting year ahead with further member support services planned for improvement and easier member accessibility; including a new member focused website and more effective communications, content and method.
On behalf of us all of at MGA we wish to sincerely thank all our members for supporting your industry association. We look forward to continuing to be of service to you and your business! Rodney Allen,
After 2 years of discussions and planning, the Timber Merchants Association (more members), was absorbed by MGA from the 1st July 2017, more information will follow in the Annual Report next year. Nobody is more passionate about our industry than our CEO
President MGA Independent Retailers
MGA Board of Directors MGA’s Board of Directors has again worked hard to keep up with the many state and national matters and issues that effect MGA members on a day to day basis. Directors have been active in developing policies and addressing and allocating MGA resources to help meet the needs of members.
Andrew Bray, who has been a dedicated and committed Director for 7 years resigned in May 2017 after he sold his supermarket located in Castlecrag, Sydney to another MGA member. We wish Andrew and his family well for the future and thank him sincerely for his leadership and guidance as a MGA Board member.
PRESIDENT Rod Allen
COMPANY SECRETARY Phil Ibbotson
Mick Daly
Debbie Smith
Victoria
Queensland
Andrew Bray New South Wales / ACT
Steve Miller Victoria
Gino Divitini Western Australia
Chris dos Santos
Grant Hinchcliffe
South Australia
Tasmania
MGA 2017 Annual Report
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CEO’S
REPORT MGA has again provided members with another outstanding year of support and service. MGA’s higher purpose is to “make life easier” for members and whilst doing so we work very hard and enthusiastically to seek ways of saving members money in their businesses.
his legal career with a private law firm. We thank David for his dedication and commitment. In turn, we warmly welcomed employment law lawyer, Belinda Imbriano to the team, and she has quickly endeared herself to our members around Australia.
This outstanding work for members could not take place without the dedication and commitment of MGA’s management and staff. MGA is truly lucky to have staff who care about the work they do and pride themselves in providing benefits and satisfying outcomes for members.
Aside from the day to day activities of immediately assisting members with IR matters, this team spends hours and does an amazing job in developing and producing a wide range of state and federal submissions in response to Senate, Productivity, and government department inquiries and hearings. These include; national wage reviews, annual workplace relations survey of members, reducing Sunday penalty rates, deregulation of trading hours matters and many more.
Similar to many of our members, MGA’s business environment is constantly changing. Understanding and dealing proactively with change is essential for any business to survive and prosper. MGA is no different and seeks to constantly embrace change to provide members with a relevant and seamless support service. From January 2017, MGA’s focus became “the year of engagement”. Engagement and communication with members and industry stakeholders that is targeted frequent, timely, professional and relevant with the correct people – not a shot gun approach. To that end MGA’s Finance and Administration team led by Desma Harrod has experienced and delivered much change within MGA to achieve the goal of effective engagement with members. MGA’s co-ordinator for communications, Courtenay Hirst has reviewed and improved all forms of external member communication. MGA’s website is undergoing significant change for better navigation outcomes. The Independent Retailer magazine has had an appearance and content lift whilst e-Alerts and Checkout newsletters have been modernised. A relationship matrix, which is a tool to identify the correct people in industry to receive MGA communications has been developed – all in the name of MGA delivering better engagement with members. MGA’s Dale Clark has also been very busy making sure members details are correct in our data base, again assisting MGA to better communicate with members. We welcome Brian Boyle to the Finance and Administration team in the capacity of book keeper. The Legal and HR team led by Marie Brown has again provided outstanding support to members throughout the year. This year we saw one of our more experienced employment law lawyers, David Sztrajt, leave MGA to further
MGA 2017 Annual Report
MGA Membership Services led by Steve Sellars is another important component of MGA’s value proposition for members. Savings for insurance cover, energy, telephone services and other services offer significant savings for members and their staff. Corporate member support is an extremely important component of MGA’s day to day role to support members. Not only do MGA’s 34 corporate members provide MGA with valuable insights and engagement with members, but their partnership enables MGA to better resource itself, so as to strongly represent members best interests at State and Federal government levels. David Grey-Smith leads MGA’s training program, and together with the help of Christine Potter and Finance and Administration Manager Desma Harrod, he has developed a compelling Training Course Guide comprising online and face to face, compliance and professional development training courses. Training has become a difficult retail industry issue with federal and state government funding being withdrawn, and only having made available upon satisfying a number of unrealistic hurdles. MGA was therefore compelled to reinvent its training and compliance management offer, to satisfy member needs and this took over 12 months to complete. MGA now has a unique and affordable training advantage for members.
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MGA’s national Liquor Committee led by George Kovits has been very active in pursuing a myriad of matters and issues affecting members packaged liquor business. With more than 1000 members nationally having a packaged liquor license, the MGA Liquor Committee has an important role to play in working with relevant state governments and bureaucrats to minimise the risk of any regulatory and red tape impacts on members’ businesses. The MGA Liquor Committee is to be commended for the high level of engagement it has with our industry, industry stakeholders and state governments. We thank the MGA Liquor Committee for their valuable time, enthusiasm and insights.
identified as relevant and vital to MGA delivering members the best possible support and service. Some of these initiatives include; improved communication tools such as a MGA smart phone app, a dynamic website, stronger and more modern branding, an up to date industry relationship matrix and the newly developed Training Course Guide.
In late 2016 the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) appointed MGA as its legal and HR provider to support its 400 hairdresser owner operators on the Eastern seaboard.
I wish to conclude by sincerely thanking MGA members for their continued support. It is an absolute pleasure that we work on behalf of all members, who comprise family enterprises and privately owned businesses from around Australia.
After 2 years of discussions and planning MGA and the Timber Merchants Association (TMA) (VIC) agreed to come together, with TMA being absorbed by MGA on 1 July 2017 bringing with it 120 independent timber and hardware outlets. Throughout the year the MGA team has met and worked through its 2020 strategic imperatives, discussing strategic opportunities and actioning initiatives that have been
During the next financial year MGA’s team will continue to build on the 2020 MGA business strategy, including a focus on further improving MGA’s high performing culture, ongoing training of its staff and developing a succession plan for the future.
Jos de Bruin
CEO MGA Independent Retailers
2016 – 2017 highlights Competition law reform – Section 46 – misuse market power – inclusion of effects test
Illicit & illegal tobacco – strong advocacy to government to eradicate
MGA’s Employment Law Master Classes were welcomed and well received by members.
Company tax reduced from 30% to 27% for companies with $50 million or less in sales
MGA’s focus to deliver the best support service to members and the industry is encapsulated in the theme “the Year of Engagement”
Development of MGA’s online and face to face training courses couple with the launch of MGA’s inaugural Training Course Guide
Successful reduction of Sunday penalty rates: 100% – 50% National wage reviews Enforceable undertaking continues – capping shopper dockets to 4c / litre
After a financially challenging few years and prudent management of operating costs, MGA is able to report that its financial sustainability and stability is stronger than ever and this year has delivered a modest profit.
E-cigarettes – E-vapourisers – submission lodged to support an alternative to tobacco products
MGA 2017 Annual Report
6
ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL YEAR 2017 MGA’s Higher Purpose
A MGA team dedicated to caring for and supporting its members.
Objective
Mission
Vision
To be a highly respected national industry organisation led by an inspired and aligned high performing team.
To deliver support services that enhances members’ business health and prosperity.
A robust, competitive and profitable independent retailer and business sector.
MGA values
MGA’s workplace
• • • • • •
A workplace that has an enjoyable and productive culture. A team oriented workplace that values staff work performance and provides them with challenges and opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
Consult when decisions affect others Integrity in everything we do Respect for one another Communicate open and honestly Leadership take ownership Embrace change as a healthy part of growth
Overview for financial year 16/17 MGA is pleased to report a net ordinary FY2017 income result of $66,704 versus a loss of $142,032 last year and a net income (profit) of $240,000 versus a net loss last year of $635,219. This is an outstanding result and allows MGA to further improve its support and service for members. Whilst MGA as an organisation is “not for profit” it is also “not for loss.” The poor financial outcome reported for FY2016 was largely overshadowed by 2 main factors; the ‘writing down” of the Compliance Management System (CMS) from the balance sheet and the recording of the Fair
MGA 2017 Annual Report
Value of MGA’s share portfolio which as at 30th June 2016, was valued below the cost price – in other words MGA was required to report a significant paper loss. MGA’s Board is to be congratulated for making a very tough decision to write down the CMS asset in one year rather than over a period of 3 years. Had this decision not been made then this would only have continued to reflect a poor trading result in ensuing years. The full financial report is available on www.mga.asn.au.
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8 reasons to be a member
01
WE KNOW THE INDUSTRY – MGA has been an employer organisation for the independent grocery and liquor industry since 1898 – we have over 100 years of experience! Registered with FWC and ASIC.
02
WE ARE YOUR VOICE – MGA represents your views, fighting for our members & industry sustainability at Federal, State and local levels. See our work on Sunday penalty rates, national wage reviews, shopper dockets, competition law reform, trading hours, packaged liquor & energy costs at www.mga.asn.au!
03
FREE UNLIMITED LEGAL ADVICE – on all employment law and HR matters, Workplace Health and Safety and consumer laws – SAVING YOU $$ and giving you peace of mind!
04
SUPPORT WITH YOUR BUSINESS – Free access to policies and templates to help you run your business – letting you focus on what you need to focus on! As a member, access our members website portal for wage rates, public holidays and more!
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INDUSTRY TRAINING – Food safety, RSA, customer service, tobacco, leadership and much, much more. Industry specific, member discounts, bulk buys – talk to the experts in grocery and liquor retail industry training. Join our face to face employment law master classes or food safety training at member rates.
06
EXCLUSIVE DEALS – Member only special deals on big ticket items such as electricity and insurance – check them out at www.mga.asn.au!
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STAY INFORMED – With our fortnightly checkout newsletter – we keep you up to date with the latest employment law news, or e-alerts on the latest industry news and events. Alternatively – check out our Independent Retailer magazine that has all the latest news!
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COMMUNITY – An opportunity to network at our Industry business breakfasts, lunches, golf days and GALA Ball. Join in our industry events that help those in need. MGA has a long history of assisting the Reach Foundation!
OUR SERVICES Legal and HR Have a problem with wages or employees and don’t know where to turn? Don’t get caught... seek advice first. Call us – 7 days per week.
Training MGA can provide accredited training in the areas that matter to you. Speak to the retailer training specialist.
Advocacy MGA tirelessly lobbies on behalf of the independent retail sector – what affects you, affects us! Visit our website to see the latest news and submissions.
Member Benefits From electricity to insurance, mobiles phone plans or banking – MGA gets the best deals for our members... Try us!
Community Diverse opportunities to join your industry colleagues, at a range of networking & informative events hosted by the MGA, including industry breakfasts, lunches, golf days and the Gala Ball.
www.mga.asn.au Free call: 1800 888 479
MGA 2017 Annual Report
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INDUSTRY
LANDSCAPE Member engagement MGA members around Australia continue to rely upon the strong support service that MGA provides. For the price of an all-inclusive membership fee, members can avail themselves of MGA’s highly skilled and capable team for advice and support pertaining to many “back of house” matters whether they be legal and HR, training or local advocacy matters.
18 466
459
493 45
272
760
TOTAL
MEMBERS
2596
83
Industry Stakeholders SUPERMARKETS – Farmer Jacks (WA), Foodland (SA), FoodWorks, Friendly Grocers, IGA, SPAR LIQUOR – Bottlemart, Cellarbrations, Duncans, IBA, Local Liquor, The Bottle O
MGA 2017 Annual Report
HARDWARE – Mitre10 WHOLESALERS – Australian Liquor Marketers, Metcash and SPAR
9 Corporate Partners MGA corporate partners continue to strongly support the efforts of MGA to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of MGA’s members – independent retailers around Australia. Corporate partners are able to more easily engage and build relationships with members through a
DIAMOND
variety of advertising and promotion mediums and industry events. Many corporate partners also enable MGA to be able to provide significant member benefits that will save members money.
PLATINUM
British American Tobacco Australia
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Number of Contacts (July 2016 to June 2017)
Number of Hours (July 2016 to June 2017)
ASSOCIATE
Number of Hours Number Hours: (July 2016 to Juneof 2017)
July 2016 – June 2017
Number of Contacts Number Contacts: (July 2016 to Juneof 2017)
July 2016 – June 2017
54.79% - Industry Representation
62.69% - Legal and HR
39.57% - Legal and HR
24.90% - Industry Representation
3.30% - Administration
8.83% - Administration
2.17% - Training
3.29% - Training
0.17% - Membership Services
0.30% - Membership Services
Total: 4380
Total: 6025
54.79% - Industry Representation
62.69% - Legal and HR
39.57% - Legal and HR
24.90% - Industry Representation
3.30% - Administration
8.83% - Administration
2.17% - Training
3.29% - Training
0.17% - Membership Services
0.30% - Membership Services
MGA 2017 Annual Report
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LEGAL AND HR
SERVICES MGA’s legal and HR team continue to please and delight members with their first class employment law and HR service and support. Looking after members’ everyday needs, is the cornerstone of why MGA exists. MGA helps to “make life easier” for its members. Many workplace relations and employment law matters have been addressed on behalf of members and taken considerable time to manage over the past 12 months.
The legal and HR team have addressed many state and federal government issues and opportunities by way of representation, surveys or submissions. Some of these include; National Wage Review, Productivity Commission Inquiries, Senate Committee Inquiries, Fair Work Commission liaison and Queensland Trading Hours matters
Staffing in MGA legal team Members continue to seek help from MGA’s legal and HR team for anything from a wage rate enquiry to a major unfair dismissal issue. Members often make comment regarding the ease with which they are able to speak with a qualified employment law lawyer and the immediate support they then receive. One day employment law master classes to assist store owners, managers and department managers to handle employee workplace matters with care were conducted in Perth and Melbourne. These seminars were deemed by members as a tremendous success and as such will be rolled out to other states. Members valued learning about their employment law obligations and how to best manage employees in a shared learning environment and welcomed the “tools” of knowledge to help them to perform their roles in store more effectively.
Early this year David Szrtajt, a long serving, competent and well known MGA employment law lawyer left MGA to take up a position with a private firm. We thank David for all the wonderful work he did with and for members and wish him well. MGA welcomed Belinda Imbriano to the team. Belinda who has already endeared herself to many MGA members, worked with the Fair Work Commission as an employment law lawyer prior to joining MGA.
Sunday penalty rates MGA together with other industry associations and retailers, unified by coming together to apply for a reduction in Sunday penalty rates from 100% to 50% in the Fair Work Commission (FWC). MGA’s members made a $90,000 contribution toward this case which cost in excess of $1.4m to conduct. Stuart Wood QC and his barristers were engaged to act on behalf of MGA and all other unified stakeholders including the ARA. The FWC decision to reduce Sunday penalty rates was officially handed down by Justice Iain Ross on 23rd February 2017. This was an incredible and historic result as a consequence of the very hard work and financial resources MGA’s team and other industry organisations committed to achieve this result. After much industry discussion and anticipation the FWC directed the Sunday penalty rates reduction be phased in over a 4 year period effective from 1 July 2017. This will bring much needed wage cost relief to our members businesses and will encourage employment growth within our sector. Full time and Part time employees 1 July 2017 200 % – 195 % 1 July 2018 195 % – 180 % 1 July 2019 180 % – 165 % 1 July 2020 165 % – 150 %
MGA 2017 Annual Report
Casual employees (inclusive of casual loading) 1 July 2017 200 % – 195 % 1 July 2018 195 % – 185 % 1 July 2019 185 % – 175 % 1 July 2020 175 % – 150%
11 Public holiday rates changes to the GRA. The FWC has approved the implementation of the new public holiday payments. The rate for permanent employees will be 225% and the casual rate will remain at 250% but the calculation will be based on the base rate and not on the casual rate. These rates will be effective as from the 1 July 2017.
SDA seeks Saturday penalties increases – At the time of writing MGA reports there is an application from the SDA before the FWC to increase the combined penalty and loading for casual employees that work on weekday evenings, and on Saturdays. They are seeking an increase from 125% to 150% on weekday evenings and increase from 135% to 150% on Saturdays. The matter has been referred to the Penalty Rates Full Bench for consideration and the SDA will lodge submissions stating the reasons for their claim. If this application should succeed this will have devastating financial impact on MGA members, as Saturday wages will escalate, causing unemployment and operational stress on already overburdened business operators.
Annual Wage Review MGA researched and surveyed its members, made a submission to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) in respect of the annual review of award wages. After careful consideration of the survey results including MGA’s members financial burdens, MGA made a recommendation of no more than a 1.2% increase. It is unfortunate the FWC announced a 3.3% increase, placing enormous stress upon the viability and sustainability of members businesses.
• •
Queensland – deregulation of trading hours MGA has been very active and continues to vigorously oppose applications made to the QIRC by the NRA to deregulate / liberalise trading hours in QLD. The MGAQ Committee policy is to oppose all applications. Hearings of particular note include SE Queensland, Pittsworth, Stanthorpe, Warwick and before and during the Christmas period. This activity to oppose applications is very costly and resource hungry.
Other matters that are being addressed include; •
•
Assisting WA members with termination of the Independent Supermarkets Agreement 2002 Assist members with “cashing out” of annual leave
Casuals become permanent after 12 months of employment – MGA opposed casual conversion to permanent status in the GRA but the FWC determined this will proceed from 1 July 2017 Review of the conciliatory process – our members (employers) paying go away monies
Number of hours by topic:
Number of contacts by topic:
Legal and HR Services Count of hours by topic (1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017)
Legal and HR Services -
July 2016 – June 2017
Count of– contacts by topic July 2016 June 2017 (1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017)
Agreements Bullying Change of Details Closed store Employee Issues FTF Training General Invoice Leases Liquor Litigation Membership Existing New Membership Policies Public Holidays QLD Trading Hours Submissions Transmission of business Wage Claims Wages and Conditions Workcover OH&S
Agreements Bullying Change of Details Closed Store Employee Issues FTF Training General Invoice Leases Liquor Litigation Membership Existing New Membership Policies Public Holidays Qld Trading Hours Submissions Transmission of business Wage Claims Wages and Conditions Workcover OH&S 0
100
200
300
Total: 1734
400
500
600
0
500
1000
1500
Total: 3777 MGA 2017 Annual Report
2000
12
COMPLIANCE AND
TRAINING MGA training is a very important key industry function. The industry compliance and professional development training environment these past 12 months has been difficult and challenging. With the tightening of state and federal government training funding and the higher hurdles put before members before they could become eligible for industry training has meant that MGA has discontinued, offering Certificate 3 and 4 Retail Training. Our members are quoted as saying, “It’s just not worth the time and effort”. Training fund (RTO) compliance obligations have also become onerous and costly to manage. Late in 2016 it was decided to embark upon a new and innovative approach to industry training – MGA had to think outside the square and provide members with training solutions that matched their everyday needs. MGA developed, remodelled and produced a suite of online and face to face training courses to better suit members’ needs. In addition, it became evident that members had a real need for their workers to be exposed to Safe Work Instructions in order to foster a safe work place. As a result, a comprehensive suite of Safe Work Instructions for various supermarket and liquor store departments has been developed and offered to members in bundles. Many MGA members who were former users of the Compliance Management System also made requests of MGA to provide a similar simple system with which to better manage and keep track of staff training . This was produced and named the “Management Training System”. The entire newly developed MGA training offer was brought together and published in a one stop Training Course Guide that will give members a complete overview of the MGA training courses and seminars available.
MASTER CLASS IN EMPLOYMENT LAW
This financial year we have seen a turn around in MGA training performance and we look forward to a very strong year of members uptake and usage growth ahead. MGA continuously encourages members to focus on staff training to maximize capability and performance in the workplace. Many members have indicated their reluctance to invest in their staff in the form of training. This is a mind set MGA is endeavouring to shift to better cope with competition, foster business growth and to promote succession planning.
What if we train them and they leave? What if we don’t and they stay? MGA 2017 Annual Report
1800 888 479 www.mga.asn.au
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INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION
FEDERAL
On the 2nd of July 2016 there was a federal election with the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his Government returned with a lesser majority and a Senate comprising many independents holding the balance of power – the new government must work very hard to promote and deliver legislation through the Senate, particularly with the Labor Party blocking most legislation including company tax reductions for small businesses and competition law reform.
The most critical aspect of MGA’s submission was the recommendation to drop “mandatory factors” from the draft legislation, as these “factors “would provide insurmountable hurdles for the ACCC to prosecute the misuse of market power breaches by large companies.
Draft competition legislation released- sec 46
After the election, the Nationals member for Wagga, Hon Michael McCormack replaced Small Business Minister and Assistant Treasurer, Kelly O’Dwyer as the new Federal Minister for Small Business. This has become a junior minister role, as this “all important” ministerial portfolio now sits outside the Cabinet. MGA continues to build its credibility and profile with most Federal Ministers and Shadow Ministers, by discussing and promoting the needs of members, whether it be rising energy costs, competition law reform or illicit tobacco.
The Federal Government released the draft legislation to amend Australia’s competition laws. The proposed new laws reflected all the changes to competition laws – sec 46 – misuse of market power, as proposed by the Harper Review. For MGA members this means that the introduction of the effects test will strengthen sec 46 of the CCA which would result in fairer competition laws for independent retailers. However, MGA’s submission opposed the introduction of mandatory factors in the legislation and the Committee assessing the bill has recommended that they be removed from the proposed legislation.
Proposed competition law changes
Mandatory factors dropped from the effects test
As a follow up to Prime Minister Turnbull announcing in March 2016, that the “effects test” would be fully supported as a mechanism for competition law reform in section 46 – of the CCA, as recommended by the Harper Review, Treasurer Scott Morrison announced there would be an Exposure Draft – Competition and Consumer Amendment (Competition Policy Review) Bill 2016 for comment.
Treasurer Scott Morrison announced an amendment to the effects test legislation that will remove the “mandatory factors”. A court would have to consider when deciding whether a business has misused its market power. The amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act, seek to change competition law to ensure businesses cannot act with the “purpose, effect or likely effect of lessening competition”, regardless of whether they intended that outcome from their actions. The removal of mandatory factors will alleviate some of the hurdles the courts may have in finding a business has misused its market power.
MGA was active participating in many consultation meetings and lodging submissions concerning the Treasurer’s Exposure Draft and the ACCC guidelines for Section 46 framework.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaking at the Federal Budget dinner in May 2017
Parliament House Canberra
MGA 2017 Annual Report
14 Other matters • • • • • •
• • • •
• • •
Company Tax reduction – from 30% to 27.5% – $50m threshold FY 2018 Federal Budget input – consultation and submission with suggestions for support – Small Business Minister Red tape and cost burdens associated with sale of tobacco products – Federal Senate Committee Inquiry Abolish Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal Access to justice for small business – MGA has begun the conversation with Labor, Greens and Independents to support access to justice with no cost orders for competition matters Industry training & development non-existent – affecting succession planning and mental health issues Illicit and illegal tobacco – impacting the sales of legal tobacco in small, medium and large members stores E-cigarettes and personal vaporisers – Senate Inquiry participation and submissions House of Representatives Economics Committee – submissions and appearances – barriers preventing small businesses to survive and prosper. Network cards and mobile wallet technology – Senate Economics Committee – consultation and submissions Unfair contracts amendments – threshold increased to $1m – Small Business Minister Federal working relationships – Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Treasury Department, Australian Tax Office (ATO), Fair Work Commission (FWC)
Minister for Employment and Women Michaelia Cash with Jos de Bruin
Major industry concerns • • • •
Rapidly increasing energy costs Illicit and illegal tobacco use Industry mental health – “Mates in Retail” WIP Cyber security
Committees, boards, affiliations and industry associations • • • • • • • • • • •
Michael McCormack – Small Business Minister and Jos de Bruin
ACCC – Small Business and Franchise Consultative Committee Coalition of Small Business Organisations of Australia – MGA is a Director of COSBOA Industry Skills Council Australia Prime Minister’s Committee for Cyber Security National Measurement Institute of Australia Standards Australia – Unit Pricing working group Franchise Code of Conduct consultation committee Black Economy Task Force – consultation Queensland Small Business Advisory Council Victorian Liquor Control Advisory Committee (LCAC) statutory state liquor body ACT Liquor Advisory Consultative Committee – statutory body
Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman (SBFEO) The announcement by former Small Business Minister Kelly O’Dwyer in April 2016, that there would be a Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has been a strong success. MGA 2017 Annual Report
Kate Carnell, Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, presenting at the 2016 MGA Business Breakfast in Victoria
15 Inaugural SBFE Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, has been very active engaging with most small, business industry associations to understand the needs of their members and advocate these needs, on their behalf, to the government. The most significant achievement so far is the development and delivery of the Carnell Banking Practices Report released late in February 2017. MGA is well connected with the ASBFEO.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission – ACCC MGA is very proud to have an outstanding working relationship with the leadership team at the ACCC, particularly, Chairman Rod Sims, Deputy Chair Michael Schaper and Senior Commissioner Roger Featherston. Members have raised a myriad of competition issues with the ACCC over the past year or so that have been reviewed and clarified. MGA has engaged on many matters by way of consultation or submissions as follows: • Excessive Credit Card Surcharges- effective 5 September • $1 per litre milk inquiry • Petrol Shopper Dockets – enforceable undertaking continues. • Authorisation sought by BP & Caltex – merge and Woolworths Shopper Dockets & Rewards • Authorisation sought by 3 tobacco companies to stop supply to retailers consistently selling illicit tobacco • Competition law reform – numerous meetings and teleconferences to discuss sec 46 misuse of market power provisions – effects test (and removal of mandatory factors from draft legislation) • Country of Origin Labelling inquiry – new regulations • MGA is a member of the ACCC Small Business and Franchise Consultative Council
NAB Small Business Advisory Council meeting
Rod Sims, ACCC Chairman presenting at the 2016 MGA Business Breakfast in VIC
COSBOA CEO, Peter Strong at the VIC Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Day
National Australia Bank National Australia Bank is very important and valued MGA corporate partner. NAB assists MGA to deliver better support and services to its members. A great majority of MGA’s members actively bank with NAB and value their strong business support. MGA is a an active member of the NAB Customer Service Advisory Council led by NAB Executive General Manager for Micro & Small Business, Leigh O’Neill. Many topics have been discussed and are being addressed including; what small business customers expect from a bank, simplification of processes, streamlining engagement, the Carnell Banking Practices Review and mental health issues. MGA also met with NAB Group CEO Andrew Thorburn at a small gathering of small business owners for a meet and greet with NAB Directors and management including, new NAB Director, former NSW Premier Mike Baird.
COSBOA – Council of Small Business of Australia COSBOA has been at the forefront of many matters in Canberra and in the federal parliament advocating on behalf of all its members across many sectors. COSBOA, led by Peter Strong and a dedicated Board of Directors, has played a large role in advocating for a variety of matters on behalf of privately owned business and family enterprises including; • Competition Law Reform – sec 46 misuse of market power – effects test • Unfair Contract Terms – threshold at $1m • Reduction in Sunday penalty rates • Superannuation administration • Favourable taxation policies The COSBOA Small Business Summit was held in Brisbane a week after the last Federal Election on 6, 7 and 8 of July 2016 – Many Federal and State MPs as well as bureaucrats attended the summit.
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INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION
STATES
MGA has had various meetings with State ministers and Government department heads to discuss an array of matters of concern. Many submissions have been developed and lodged by MGA in response to a variety of enquiries conducted by various state government departments;
ACT •
Packaged Liquor License Fees – engaging with Chief Minister Barr • Also discussing entrapment laws and RSA training improvements • Proposed Container Deposit Legislation – effective 1 December 2017 – follow NSW
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• Tobacco • Oppose suggestions to restrict the sale of tobacco products to geography and times • Oppose increase to tobacco license fees • Support E-vapourisers • Planning and zoning issues • MGA is a member of the ACT Liquor Review Committee (statutory body) – Peter Karkazis is a member • Advocate for fair competition – independents have a very low market share
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sustainable developments Member of the NSW Tobacco Control Act Committee • Change the current NSW Tobacco act to change the words “sell tobacco from one cash register to one point of sale to transact tobacco products • Continue to support E-Cigarettes – allow for the retail sale of E-vapourisers with nicotine Plastic Bag bans – ongoing collaboration to mitigate risk of cost burdens to members Food ingredient labelling – takeaway products Payroll tax – increase threshold and decrease % MGA is a member of the Tobacco Control Act Committee, the Small Business Commissioner Group, the NSW Planning Minister Environment and Planning reform group State relationships – NSW Department of Health / Planning & Environment – Planning and Zoning Working Committee
New South Wales
Queensland
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MGAQ Committee – very active in consulting with the government and its agencies Wayne Mason – FoodWorks QLD State Manager Chris Antonieff – FoodWorks Oxley Craig Careswell – Friendly Grocers Group; National Operations Debbie Smith – FoodWorks – 3 x Toowoomba Fred Elisha – IGA Xpress Palmwoods
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Member of Small Business Commissioner’s Small Business roundtable group Container Deposit Legislation – continue to collaborate to mitigate member red tape and cost – due to be implemented 1 December 2017 Member of NSW Planning and Zoning Development committee – engagement concerning a new approach to
Jos de Bruin, Roz White, Queensland Minister for IR Hon Grace Grace, Wayne Mason, Peter Piccone
MGA 2017 Annual Report
Grant Hinchcliffe, Debbie Smith, Jos de Bruin, Rod Allen, Kate Carnell at the COSBOA Small Business Summit in Brisbane
17 Mark Meszaros – Drakes Supa IGA Peter Lee – Ritchies Supa IGA Peter Piccone – Supa IGA Cairns Richard Hinson – GM Metcash QLD Roz White – Whites IGA Group Sunshine Coast Terry Slaughter – IGA Springfield Lakes Zac Mina – Metcash Commercial and Finance The MGAQ Committee, which represents all Queensland MGA members, is to be sincerely thanked for their untiring dedication and commitment to making Queensland a better place for independent supermarket owners and operators. Their energy and leadership is outstanding and to be admired. Debbie Smith is a member of Minister for Small Business, Hon Leeanne Enoch’s, statutory “Queensland Small Business Consultative Council” • Member – Palaszcuk Government’s Allowable Shop Trading Hours Act review reference group • Member – John Mickel Allowable Shop Trading Hours Act Reference Group – submissions presented, forums & consultations attended. • Waste and Recycling Amendment Bill 2017 • Container Deposit Legislation – continue to collaborate to mitigate member red tape and costs – due to be implemented 1 December 2017 • Plastic bag bans – collaborate to mitigate risk of cost burdens or red tape. To be implemented 1 July 2018 • Member – QLD Recycling and Waste Management Amendment Bill – Container Deposit Legislation committee Trading hours • Extensive research, surveys & submissions concerning the Trading (Allowable) Amendment Bill – working closely with Minister Grace and other MPs. Work with Government to legislate a 5 year moratorium on any changes to QLD trading hours.
John Chapman – Small Business Commissioner SA, Jos de Bruin and Roger Featherston – Commissioner of the ACCC
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Oppose the NRA applications to liberalise trading hours... many hearings conducted • Extensive and costly research projects carried out to gather facts evidence and data for hearings. • Most recent hearings – Sunday trading – Pittsworth, Stanthorpe and Warwick. QIRC decision – Sunday trading for Warwick and Stanthorpe not Pittsworth. • SEQ decision handed down 14 Oct 2016 by QIRC released 10 trading hours – 7am – 8am and Saturday evenings – the result has been devastating since it was implemented on 1 December 2016 for MGA members • Packaged liquor for supermarkets – packaged liquor licenses for independent supermarkets – MGA members cannot offer packaged liquor as part of their meal solutions offer whilst Coles and Woolworths are advertising packaged liquor in their supermarket catalogues – this is not the intention of the existing QLD laws! Tobacco • Tobacco licensing for tobacco retailers – oppose retail tobacco licensing as a means to raise revenue and possibly restrict tobacco distribution • E-vapourisers – support the legitimisation of E-cigarettes as a healthier alternative to tobacco products • Inconsistent planning and infrastructure (and development) practices – Minister Enoch • Industry skill and capability training support – Minister Enoch • Food ingredient labelling – takeaway products such as roasted chickens • State working relationships – Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC)
South Australia • • •
Energy crisis has created hardship for many MGA members Liquor Licensing in South Australian Supermarkets The SA Government has introduced a proposed bill for
Francis Bedford – State Labor MP with Jo Chapley
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the introduction of liquor sales in supermarkets which is strongly supported by MGA. The changes follow an independent review of the licensing laws and will be introduced in stages. There is however some contention about the entrance to the stores liquor area, with the proposal that there must be a completely separate entrance door to the liquor section of the store. • MGA has demonstrated that there is a way of operating the store without the need for an outside separate entry which is the case in other states. Oppose further liberalisation of trading hours – driven by the chains Payroll tax relief – was reduced for small business with less than $1.2 million in payroll Liquor Licensing discussion paper – liquor licenses for supermarkets – member of Attorney General’s consultative group Tobacco – support E-vapourisers
Department of Health Payroll tax relief – reduced in regional areas by 25% to 3.65% – A BIG WIN for members! • Looking to increase the threshold and reduce % in Melbourne • Energy crises – members experiencing massive increases • Container Deposit Legislation Victoria – not on the agenda •
Western Australia Western Australia had a state election on 11 March 2017 with the public convincingly ousting the Liberal government with a 16% swing away from the Liberals. The new Labor government led by Premier Mark McGowan has communicated its will to work with all sectors of the WA community. MGA is currently in the process of engaging with various ministers. On the 21 March 2017 – led by MGA WA Director Gino Divitini, MGA formed the MGA WA Committee.
Tasmania •
Tobacco laws • Tobacco – oppose lifting min. age to purchase tobacco from 18 years • Support E-vapourisers for retail sale with nicotine • Advocate for fair competition – independents have a very low market share
Victoria • • •
• • • • •
Election – new Labor government, 29 November 2016 Plastic Bag Bans – Collaborate with the government to mitigate red tape or cost burdens Red tape and cost burden elimination – MGA is a member of the designated review panel – extensive consultation, participation and submissions Food ingredient labelling – takeaway products Continue to oppose the introduction of 2 additional public holidays – Easter Sunday & AFL GF eve Continue to oppose additional liquor & tobacco regulations MGA is a member of the Liquor Control Advisory Council (LCAC) – a statutory body State working relationship – Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Relations (VCGLR) and Victorian
Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy MP, Andrew Spark, Brad Battin MP, Jos de Bruin and Tony Ingpen MGA 2017 Annual Report
MGA WA Committee members include; Gino Givitini – Supa IGA Hilton & MGA Director Greg Brindle – IGA Wembley, Canning Bridge and Applecross Greg Rice – IGA Ballajura John Cummings – former owner operator of Duncraig store Pierre Sequira – IGA Como Rob Halvorsen – IGA Canningvale, Riverton & Baldivas South Ross Anile – IGA Roleystone Tony Macris – FoodWorks Forestfield Wally Daly – IGA Belmont • • • • • • • •
Trading hours issues – oppose further liberalisation of trading hours Continue to oppose extending Sunday trading hours Packaged Liquor – oppose the development of “Big Box” outlets – ie. Como Payroll tax – reduce threshold and percentage E-cigarettes – allow for sale – currently banned MGA WA Liquor – strong legal and HR support being provided Payroll tax – increase threshold and decrease percentage State relationship – WA Economic Regulation Authority
Judy O’Connell with Victorian Minister for Small Business, Hon Philip Dalidakis MLC
Victorian Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Philip Dalidakis with Jos de Bruin
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MGA INDEPENDENT RETAILERS
COMMUNICATION MGA’s team has stepped up more effective and relevant communication and engagement with members and stake holders in line with its higher purpose – “Making Life Easier” and the agreed team focus for the 2017 calendar year – “2017 the Year of Engagement.” Branding and layouts have been modernised on all mediums as well as MGA’s website. Checkouts, e-Alerts, magazines and MGA’s website continue to be members preferred methods of communication. Social mediums, Facebook and twitter, although MGA keeps these updated, are not commonly used communication methods by members. MGA’s website has again been improved and continues to deliver members a more robust and responsive knowledge tool.
Public Relations and Media The past 12 months has witnessed MGA once again significantly lift its profile within Federal and State government MPs and department’s circles as well as with the media.
Media release
The Effects Test, to curtail misuse of market power, passes the Senate The voices of small businesses have finally been heard and at last the long-awaited effects test has passed through the Senate. Mr. Jos de Bruin, CEO of Master Grocers Australia said, “This is a great triumph for our independent retailers who have struggled for years against stifling unfair competition laws. At last we will have a level playing field.” The introduction of the effects test, and the consequent changes to Section 46, misuse of market power in the Competition and Consumer Act, as proposed by Professor Harper, will deter the anti- competitive behaviour of big businesses, who have been able to wield their corporate power at the expense of small independent businesses for far too long.
MGA continues to be active and receive various media exposures via state and national radio, TV and press.
Mr. de Bruin continued, “Whilst the entire Senate was not supportive of the proposed change to the law, a significant number of Senators fortunately expressed the urgency of cracking down on stifling anticompetitive behaviour. They referred to the need to suppress the abuse and misuse of market power that has prevailed, to the detriment of smaller players, for decades. Small businesses were described as the ones who can make a major contribution to the growth of our economy, but only if they were free to compete with their bigger rivals on level turf. It was essential for the Senate to remove the restrictive laws that were holding back innovation and growth, and to provide the opportunity that would allow small businesses to compete on their merits.” Master Grocers Australia and its members, applaud those who supported the Bill and it will now be up to the thousands of small businesses, who are the backbone of this country, to prove that they are worth all the political support that has been provided to them in this overwhelmingly long struggle to get this far. Jos de Bruin commended all those who had contributed their assistance and encouragement to make this significant legislative amendment.
For further comment contact: Jos de Bruin CEO – MGA Independent Retailers Tel: 0418 312 723
National Support Centre - Suite 5, 1 Milton Parade, Malvern VIC 3144
P 1800 888 479 | F 03 9824 4022 | www.mga.asn.au | ABN 44 004 063 263 © Master Grocers Australia Limited
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Comment is being sought regarding a range of topics including; competition law reform – section 46 – the effects test, reduction in Sunday penalty rates, the deregulation of trading hours in Queensland just to name a few. MGA has received exposure with the following media – AFR, The Australian, Courier Mail, The Age, the SMH, ABC Radio National, 2GB, 4BC, 2UE and Channel 9.
MGA team of professionals The past 12 months have been particularly challenging for MGA from a resource perspective. MGA’s limited resources are put to very good use in addressing the many issues members face each day in their businesses. The independent retail sector is constantly changing; members businesses are becoming more exposed to workplace, commercial and competitive challenges than ever before and industry skills training continues to lack government direction.
Despite the challenges, MGA’s dedicated and committed team of professionals is able to be of support and service to members around Australia, on an as needs basis, to address most members’ matters of concern within the workplace. To MGA’s knowledge, no other employer organisation can emulate this professional response model as well as MGA staff can! MGA is truly fortunate to have the committed and professional staff available to support its members!
MGA 2017 Annual Report
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INDUSTRY
COMMUNITY Grocery & Liquor Association (GALA) The Grocery and Liquor Association (GALA) was formed some 71 years ago as a community fundraising arm of Master Grocers Australia (MGA). GALA is incorporated under MGA and is an organisation dedicated to bringing our wonderful industry together for fellowship, networking and importantly, supporting flagship community support organisations, namely the Reach Foundation in Victoria and New South Wales. The GALA Committee consists of a number of grocery and liquor industry representatives who willingly and enthusiastically volunteer their time. GALA conducts major annual industry community/charity events throughout Australia including industry golf days, industry breakfasts and the GALA industry ball, held in Melbourne, in August/September each year. The GALA Committee is made up of the following members we thank them for their dedication and energy to unite our industry for a great community cause: Aaron Scalzo – Lion Dale Clark – MGA Frana Tatkovich – ALM / IBA Jos de Bruin – MGA
MGA 2017 Annual Report
Kate Egan – Metcash / IGA currently on leave Madeleine Smith – Reach Marino Biviano – FoodWorks Paul Holmes – Bulla Ross Carr – Retailworx Steve Sellars – MGA Theo Stratopoulos – Reddrops FoodWorks Group Arthur Hayes – Industry Mentor The annual MGA GALA Ball, held in August 2016 at the Docklands in Melbourne was again successful with over 400 industry people attending, raising over $50k for the Reach Foundation. The Industry Breakfast and AGM was held at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide in November 2016. It was a great success with special guest speakers including Hon Nicolle Flint MPO Member for Boothby, representing the Prime Minister Hon Malcolm Turnbull, Independent Senator Nick Xenophon and ACCC Commissioner Roger Featherston. The MGA GALA Golf Day held at the Keysborough Golf Club in Melbourne was a sell out with groups playing in the morning and afternoon and over 100 people attending the presentation dinner. This event raised over $20k for the Reach Foundation.
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MGA Employment Law Support Services Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC)
In November 2016 MGA came to a commercial support arrangement with the AHC. Led by CEO Sandy Chong, the AHC have entered into an agreement with MGA to provide AHC’s 400 hairdressing outlet members, located in QLD, NSW, ACT and Victoria with employment law and HR support, service and advice. Hairdressers are traditionally owner operated service focused businesses who require affordable workplace relations assistance. MGA is delighted to provide this assistance. AHC members have become associate members of MGA so that MGA is able to provide unencumbered support when required. A separate telephone number has been created to accommodate the AHC. The revenue derived from this arrangement will be put toward further improving MGA’s support and service to its members.
Timber Merchants Association Established in 1883 the TMA Board of Directors have been in discussions with MGA’s Board concerning the opportunity for TMA to be absorbed and integrated within MGA so as to further grow TMA membership and provide a larger range of support services. The Timber Merchants Association (TMA) currently comprises 120 small, medium and large outlets, employing more than 4000 people and generating $2b in sales. TMA members are largely Victorian with TMA having served its members for over 120 years. The TMA has very closely aligned values and policies to that of MGA. TMA members consist of independent timber and hardware retailers, timber wholesalers, timber suppliers and businesses that “add value” to timber products. TMA’s members are no different to MGA members, they are independently owned family enterprises privately owned businesses competing against giants such as Wesfarmers’ Bunnings outlets. Both boards agreed to facilitate this arrangement from 1 July 2017. TMA will deregister as an organization with the FWC. The current TMA Board will continue as a committee and all new activities will be take place under the brand name TMA MGA.
MGA 2017 Annual Report
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MGA
LIQUOR The National MGA Liquor Committee has once again been very active on behalf of members. On behalf of all packaged liquor licensed members MGA sincerely thanks each committee member for giving up their valuable business time and sharing their insightful views concerning packaged liquor. Together we have been able to make a difference to push back on packaged liquor license fee increases, additional regulatory red tape and oppose the anti competitive behaviours of the large chains. The industry has changed rapidly in recent years with a high influx of new overseas investors and new settlers purchasing licensed supermarket and liquor stores. Senior health bureaucrats have advocated that the irresponsible consumption of alcohol is contributing to the serious issue of family violence and thus suggesting ways to temper
alcohol consumption to reduce harms. MGA fully supports initiatives to reduce any harm that may be caused through alcohol consumption and believes the most effective way to grow a culture and behaviour toward responsible alcohol consumption is through robust deep reaching education programs. Increased taxes, increased license fees, increased regulations will not achieve cultural change. Queensland – Packaged liquor is unable to be sold by independent supermarkets in QLD. It is able to be sold by Coles and Woolworths as they have manipulated the current laws by purchasing hotels, placing a big box on the site and then placing the 3 detached bottleshops next to their supermarkets located within a 10km radius. Most Woolworths and Coles stores advertise packaged liquor in their weekly catalogues. This is completely anti-competitive. MGA is working with
the current government to bring this discussion to life and is advocating strongly for members to be able to sell packaged liquor. South Australia – After many years of advocacy for MGA’s SA members, they will to be able to compete on a level playing field with the chains by selling packaged liquor. The SA government, after a lengthy independent inquiry, has determined that they support the recommendations in the report and will allow independent supermarkets to sell packaged liquor if they choose to. The committee, which meets monthly has covered many issues and matters of importance • ACT, NSW, VIC – Oppose increased packaged liquor licenses fees • VIC – Equalise liquor licenses fees – packaged vs general • NSW, VIC – Promote RSA online for remote users
President George Kovits MGA
Nick Cook Frank Palumbo Bottlemart
FoodWorks Mt Beauty Yackandandah Myrtleford
Tony Ingpen
Jeff Harper
IGA Mt Evelyn
IGA Ashburton
IGA Liquor National
IGA Liquor Victoria
MGA 2017 Annual Report
Angelo Giannetta Cellarbrations
Tony Bongiovani Cellarbrations
John Rodriguez
Michael Reddrop
Anthony Abdallah
IBA ALM
FoodWorks Alexandra
FoodWorks Head Office
Tony Leon
Jodie Louise Gratian
Steve’s Liquor
Kings Family Liquor
Peter Karkazis Local Liquor ACT
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NSW, ACT, QLD – Introduction of Container Deposit Scheme VIC – Review of LCRA 1988, RSA Training Review, Alcohol Advertising and Promotions Review, NSW – Callinan Final Report SA – Sale of packaged liquor in supermarkets TAS – Advocating for a restrictive liquor license for independent supermarkets stores Statutory Committees Queensland Government – Debbie Smith (MGA Director) – Small Business Advisory Council ACT – Liquor Advisory Council – Peter Karkazis (MGA Liquor Committee member)
MGA Liquor Committee with new committee members Tony Leon (far right) and Peter Karkazis (ACT) (fifth from left) meets at Brown-Forman. •
VIC – Liquor Control Advisory Council – Jos de Bruin CEO MGA
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Sub Committees – Online / RSA training – George Kovits MGAL Committee
Industry Engagement – Year of Engagement 7 – 8 July 2016 – Brisbane – COSBOA Summit 17 – 19 July 2016 – Queensland – Metcash EXPO 16 September 2016 – Adelaide – Foodland Independent Supermarket Buying Group Expo (ISBG) 19 August 2016 – Melbourne – MGA GALA Industry Ball 16 to 22 October 2016 – Thailand – FoodWorks Conference October 2016 – Perth – MGA Employment Law Master Class 11 November 2016 – Adelaide – MGA Industry Business breakfast and AGM
Liquor Committee
February & March 2017 – Presented to FoodWorks and IGA state regional meetings 15 March 2017 – Victoria – MGA GALA Golf day 23 May 2017 – Victoria – MGA Employment Law Master Class
FoodWorks retailers & management with Hon Michael McCormack MP in Wagga Wagga
MGA Employment Law Master Class – Western Australia
MGA 2017 Annual Report