IR March 2017

ISSUE 2 | MARCH 2017

YOUR INDUSTRY NEWS PROVIDED BY MGA INDEPENDENT RETAILERS

INDEPENDENT RETAILER

SUNDAY PENALTY RATES DECISION

GROW TH E CO M M UN IT Y

IN CR EA SE CU STOM ER SE RV IC E

EM PLOY M EN GROW TH

T

INDEPENDENT RETAILER

National Support Office

•

1800 888 479

•

www.mga.asn.au

3

OUR MISSION The mission of MGA Independent Retailers is to deliver the best possible industry specific business support services to independent grocery, liquor, hardware and associate store members.

MGA NATIONAL

CONTENTS 5 CEO welcome

INDUSTRY NEWS 7 Network Cards and Mobile Wallet Technology

SUPPORT OFFICE

8 Don’t let equipment breakdown become apocalyptic

Suite 5, 1 Milton Parade, Malvern, Victoria, 3144 P: 03 9824 4111 • F: 03 9824 4022 admin@mga.asn.au www.mga.asn.au Freecall: 1800 888 479

9 Online grocery shopping – slow take up

RETAILER DIRECTORS Rodney Allen (President) – Victoria Andrew Bray – New South Wales Michael Daly – Victoria Gino Divitini – Western Australia Grant Hinchcliffe – Tasmania Steve Miller – Victoria Chris dos Santos – South Australia Debbie Smith – Queensland

MGA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jos de Bruin 03 9824 4111 E: jos.debruin@mga.asn.au

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP AND MEDIA SALES Steve Sellars 0407 399 240 E: steve.sellars@mga.asn.au

EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION

E: courtenay.hirst@mga.asn.au

FOLLOW US ONLINE:

www.facebook.com/ MGAIndependentRetailers www.linkedin.com/company/ mga-independent-retailers www.twitter.com/ MasterGrocers

9 Illicit and illegal tobacco 11 History in the making!

11 Container Deposit Scheme 13 Australian cybersecurity 15 Cyber crime, is your business covered?

17 MGAQ Committee engages with the Queensland Government 17 MGA meets new VIC Small Business Commissioner 17 MGA attends retailer regional meetings 19 Cost of energy crippling MGA members 19 MGA meets Member for Mount Isa, Queensland 21 DrinkWise Australia

LEGAL AND HR 22 Sunday penalty rates case – an historic decision 23 Types of leave employees can take 23 Following procedural steps for unfair dismissal 25 The great plastic bag debate

LIQUOR NEWS 27 Changes to the annual NSW liquor licence fee scheme 27 Easter public holiday trading restrictions 29 Simplified process to change directors and nominees 30 Around the World 31 Around the World

TRAINING 32 MGA Industry Training 33 Tobacco training 33 Safety in the supermarket

www.mga.asn.au

MGA CORPORATE PARTNERS DIAMOND

British American Tobacco Australia PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

ASSOCIATE

WAREHOUSE AND BRAND PARTNERS

tasmanian independent retailers

5

CEO REPORT

CEO WELCOME On the 23rd of February the Fair Work Commission through Commissioner Iain Ross delivered its recommendations to modernise the General Retail Award by reducing Sunday penalty rates from 200% to 150% for full time and part time staff and from 250% to 225% for casual staff.

This is an historic announcement and comes after the Fair Work Commission rigorously engaged with all sectors of the community through hearings, submissions, research and surveys and consideration of a plethora of facts, evidence and data that led toward a much needed reform.

As Commissioner Ross indicated when announcing this outcome, this decision was made in keeping with the object of the Fair Work Act which is to be fair for the employee as much as the employer.

This outcome by the independent umpire recognises the many challenges retailers face to pay unrealistic, out of date and unsustainable Sunday penalty rates.

This decision will give privately owned business and family enterprises the confidence to know their voices are being heard and in turn will motivate them to invest and grow their businesses

and ultimately generate either direct or indirect employment opportunities.

It is disappointing to see and hear the public and infantile behaviour of a particular party, its leadership and their equally disrespectful union supporters.

The independent umpire, which this certain political party set up and selected, has proven it is not a puppet for the unions and is truly independent in making decisions in the best interest of Australia.

As our Queensland, New South Wales and South Australian members will know, it was 7 years ago that the then Gillard Labor Government chose to increase Sunday penalty rates from 150% to 200%.

This was done without any consultation with privately owned businesses and family enterprises and was imposed without any productivity or efficiency gains. Businesses just had to cop it!

The Sunday penalty rate in these states was simply increased over a 5 year period without reason other than what appeared to be pandering to SDA union demands.

On behalf of MGA’s Board, management and staff, I wish to sincerely thank all members for their financial and moral

support to allow MGA to team up with other likeminded organisations to fight for what has always been the right thing to do – a reduction in Sunday penalty rates!

We will keep members informed as to what goes on from here. We are certain the SDA will be appealing this FWC deliberation. This could be a long process, we don’t know, and may involve MGA having to request additional financial support from members to have the reduction in Sunday penalty rates decision upheld.

Please also take particular note of the cybersecurity articles in this edition.

If members do not have the basic precautions in place to stop hackers from entering your website and business tools, holding you to ransom your business is at serious risk. Please focus on obtaining cybersecurity measures to protect your businesses.

Until next edition – good selling.

Jos de Bruin CEO MGA Independent Retailers

ANNOUNCING

OUR NEW TRAINING IDENTITY

Access our new FREE tobacco courses!

Check out our deals and bundles!

Revamped updated content!

Easy to use self paced learning!

Log into mga.asn.au/ma-training to access your member discounts!

www.mga.asn.au

6

INDUSTRY NEWS

Get Getsome someAsk dough dough your with withyour yourbread. bread. customers to & press && Press Press to get cash out and every everyday dayin-store in-store avoid ATM fees. to toget getcash cashout outand and avoid avoidATM ATMfees. fees.

CHQ CHQ

SAV SAV

eftpos is a great way to give your customers added value with their everyday purchases. The more cash they get out from your store, the less cash you will have on the premises, helping to reduce the cost and risk of doing business.

March 2017 - Edition 2

7

INDUSTRY NEWS

Network Cards and Mobile Wallet Technology In February 2017, MGA lodged a submission with the Reserve Bank of Australia in respect of Dual-Network Cards and Mobile Wallet Technology.

This submission was lodged in response to the release of the consultation paper by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to ascertain the impact of the rapidly emerging mobile payment system (Mobile Wallet Technology) and its effect on sustainable robust competition within the mobile payment system to deliver economical payment choices to consumers and merchants, whether it be credit or debit cards.

MGA stated that it believed that consumer and merchant choice must be optimised to drive an efficient and productive payment system in Australia, mobile or otherwise.

In any competitive environment it is essential for there to be a level playing field in order for there to be healthy competitive environment. Unfortunately, that has not been available in Australia to all the supermarket retail industry participants. The major chains, namely Coles and Woolworths, have grown their joint share of the national grocery market from about 34 per cent in 1975 to almost 80% and in some regions, their joint market share is closer to 90 per cent. It has been difficult for smaller retailers to combat the power of the larger supermarket chains because they have the ability to engage in practices that can severely impact the survival rates of independent supermarkets.

MGA as such, strongly endorsed the maximisation of a strong and competitive mobile wallet payment system that includes the eftpos system that will allow consumer choice and drive independent retailer transaction cost efficiencies.

MGA emphasised to the RBA that it strongly supports a competitive consumer driven mobile wallet payment system.

Allowing a payment such as eftpos to effectively compete with the major credit card institutions. This will allow more choice for consumers and help to significantly reduce interchange costs to retailers and allow consumers to take “cash out�, further assisting to reduce transaction costs.

This will allow the independent sector to preserve already paper thin margins and compete more effectively against the two major supermarkets which are already able to minimise their transaction and interchange costs, as they are issuers in their own right.

MGA will advise members of the outcome to this inquiry.

MGA submitted that supermarket customers are entitled to the benefits of genuine competition, which will deliver cheaper grocery products, diversity in retail offers and a supply chain that makes efficient use of Australia’s resources but also one which results in a more equitable distribution of the available profits.

See in-store for details. Ends 18 June 2017.

For more information, contact your Brown Brothers Area Manager or call 1800 032 248.

www.mga.asn.au

8

INDUSTRY NEWS

Don’t let equipment breakdown become apocalyptic

Making FBT easy

If you’ve been to the cinema in the last 10 years, you’ve probably noticed the increase in apocalypse films. When does the chaos really start? When people start hoarding food, of course. The primary reason we have supermarkets in our communities is to provide food to the people who live in them.

Now, apocalypse events are fairly unlikely. But what would you, the owner or manager of a supermarket, do if the equipment that keeps your supermarket open were to break down?

Fridges and freezers are one of the most important pieces of equipment modern supermarkets have. These days, shoppers care about convenience, making frozen and prepackaged goods high-demand items. Even the most successful business doesn’t have endless supplies of cash lying around, so when a problem with equipment arises, they’re faced with the unpleasant reality – shutting down until they can resolve the issue.

Let US do the hard work!

Leading Retail Specialists …providing expert accounting and business advice to the Retail and Supermarket Sectors. We currently have more than 60 retail clients, with turnover of $100 thousand to $100million.

Call Kayne Conway or Hannah Stewart today to ask about your FBT obligations, especially changes and developments in: • Salary packaged meal entertainment • Uber travel • Employee reporting requirements • Provision of tickets to sporting events • Gift and restaurant vouchers

Phone: (03) 9824 5533 www.imaccountants.com.au

March 2017 - Edition 2

For example, say your fridges breakdown. Now, you have nowhere to store those high-demand products. You’ll either have to quickly sell it at a discounted rate or, worst case scenario, throw it away. That’s wasting not only food, but your hard earned money. If you’re a small business, you’ll likely need to shut down until you get those fridges back up and running – and that lost income won’t help either. It can take days, if not weeks to get specialty equipment repaired, and what if you don’t have the funds?

There are ways you can protect yourself against these risks. As a business owner, you know the importance of insurance, but did you know insurance is not one size fits all? There are a huge number of products and policies out there that are aimed to work for different industries and different needs, so finding one that’s tailored to your business is crucial.

When you renew your insurance each year, it’s important to sit down with an insurance broker and review your policies to make sure those policies still fit your growing business. Your business can outgrow an insurance package the same way it outgrows a premises, and knowing when to make a change requires specialist knowledge. Our trusted partners at Adroit Insurance Group are happy to sit down with our members to make sure your policies are protecting you, and your business, from nearly everything but the apocalypse.

Contact your local broker on 1300 402 756 for a FREE INSURANCE REVIEW or go to www.adroitig.com.au/mga

9

INDUSTRY NEWS

Online grocery shopping – slow take up Despite the ever-increasing popularity of online retail, the vast majority of Australians continue to shop for groceries in-store rather than online.

According to the recently launched ‘State of the Nation Spotlight on Retail’ report from Roy Morgan Research, while 26 per cent of grocery buyers surveyed in June 2015 said they would consider doing some of their grocery shopping on the internet in the following 12 months, just three per cent of grocery-buyer respondents used the online channel for their supermarket shopping in any given four-week period.

Roy Morgan Research CEO Michele Levine, says the great disparity between sentiment and action speaks volumes about the state of online grocery shopping in Australia.

“While consumers are clearly not opposed to the idea, they seem to be having trouble putting it into practice,” she said.

market [both online and in-store] being just one retail sector that stands to be disrupted.

“One of the great things about online shopping in general is its convenience, but when it comes to groceries, this isn’t necessarily the case. With all of the scrolling, searching for products by keywords rather than spotting them on the shelves, being organised enough so you know exactly what you want rather than grabbing items as you see them, it can be quite a challenge.

“It will also be interesting to track the success of Woolworths’ recently announced partnership with Australia Post to install more than 500 parcel lockers for their click-and-collect services, providing an extra 24/7 delivery option for their online customers.

“But with the rumoured entry of US e-commerce colossus Amazon into Australia, will consumers be converted to online grocery shopping once and for all? Speculation is already rife about the ramifications of an Amazon expansion Down Under, with the local grocery

“As our latest State of the Nation report reveals, there were some significant shifts in Australian retail last financial year, with supermarkets and other grocery retailers seeing their fair share of change. No doubt, the coming 12 months will bring even more developments. Whether a move to online grocery shopping is one of them remains to be seen.”

Source – Retail World Editor

Illicit and illegal tobacco MGA and many members from around the country have been involved in tobacco company-led forums and meetings concerning the growing illicit and illegal tobacco industry. KPMG report the problem of illicit tobacco sales in Australia, in one year alone, amounts to 10% of all tobacco sold. It is estimated the total tobacco sales market is $14b.

Tobacco sales in the independent supermarket industry is approx $2b and is a large part of their businesses. The problem to date, is there is not one government department willing to take ownership of this complex issue. It’s costing the industry hard earned sales and the government a massive amount of tax not collected.

Types of illicit and illegal tobacco include; chop chop, contraband, shisha and counterfeit plain packaging. There is an 888 brand being sold in a non-compliant plain pack. Some of our members report local opposition are selling 100 cigarette

sticks for $30. Members, if you know of illicit tobacco being sold in your catchment please contact the Australian Border Force: 1800border@border.gov.au; sidewinder@border.gov.au; Ph: 1800 009 623 MGA recently met with the ACCC, along with other industry and government stakeholders to voice support for an application made to the ACCC, by the 3 major tobacco companies to seek authorisation to act together, to withhold supply from any retailer, who after a series of warnings, continues to stock and sell illicit and illegal tobacco products.

This application was made by the 3 major tobacco companies in the absence of any action being taken by the federal government. The ACCC’s initial response was to reject this application but hopefully after the latest consultation there may be a compromise found – trade of illicit and illegal tobacco must be stopped!

Tobacco Forum; Bottom: MGA member, Tony Ingpen, presenting

www.mga.asn.au

10

h the new age it w t c e n n o c e r GAGEMENT and d feel and new flavours.

N E E IV R D l il w r • Mothe new look an h it w s r e k in r d y category y of energ g r e n e n a li a tr s ts with the Au re to global markets. is x e Y IT N U T R O P compa 11 0 • HUGE OP 2 e c in s th w o r seeing stalled g outdoor, l, a it ig d s s o r c a pril and May A in D N E P S M .5 • $2 and transit. e s a h c r u p to sales rep.

A path C C r u o y to k in store, spea t r o p p u s to le b • POS availa

in Also available

NEW

LOOK

TRY THE NEW

KICKED APVPOLUER FLA

March 2017 - Edition 2 © 2017 ‘MOTHER’ IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ENERGY BEVERAGES LLC

th arch Available 6 M

4-packs

INDUSTRY NEWS

11

History in the making!

Congratulations to two excellent Australian Independent Retailers!

The IGA 2017 International Retailer of the Year awards, held in Las Vegas on the 13th February 2017, are awarded to IGA retailers who, based on IGA’s globally applied standards, have achieved exemplary excellence in retailing.

Two amazing Australian retailers have taken out the 2017 International IGA Retailer of Year Awards.

From Nedlands, Western Australia – James and Rita Kelly, proud owners of Taylor Road IGA and from Frewville, South Australia – Spero and Nick Chapley (Commercial Retail Group) proud owners of the Frewville Foodland IGA. As far as MGA is aware this is the first time in the history of this international event that two exceptional Australian world class retail outlets could not be separated.

Similar to the Australian IGA Retailer of the Year Awards in 2016, these two stores

Nick and Spero Chapley could not be separated, owing to the incredibly high retailing standards and inspirational instore innovations resulting in both stores delivering an extraordinary and exceptional shopping experience.

An absolute highlight is of course, the fact that Nick and Spero Chapley’s Foodland IGA store in Frewville continues to outperform and lead the way, as it also won the 2015 Australian IGA Retailer

James and Rita Kelly of the Year award, as well as, the 2016 International IGA Retailer of the Year award! This is an outstanding achievement the Chapley family can be proud of!

Special congratulations to James and Rita Kelly from WA and Nick and Spero Chapley and family from SA who achieved the highest accolade possible for their wonderful stores – the 2017 International Retailer of the Year Award.

QUEENSLAND

Container Deposit Scheme On the 16th February 2017, the Queensland container deposit scheme (CDS) beverage and retailer industry technical working group met for the first time. This group was formed at the request of the Queensland Minister for the Environment, Dr Steven Miles.

MGAQ’s committee member, Mark Meszaros, from the Drakes group of stores represented MGA Queensland members.

The committee, made up of various government, private and public stakeholders spoke to a number of issues related to the CDS. At this point it is envisaged the QLD scheme will commence 1 July 2018 and

will resemble the NSW scheme that will commence 1 January 2018.

The Container Deposit will be 10c per unit capturing container sizes between 150ml to 3 litres.

or opt out. There will be other alternatives explored such as reverse vending machines for certain applications. Again this is opt in or opt out. There is currently a working reverse vending machine located at 400 George St, Brisbane that the group was able to see in operation.

As with many proposals to introduce new laws and regulations there will a discussion paper released that our industry will be able to respond to.

Consultation on the paper will close 20 March 2017.

There are many aspects of the scheme that are yet to be worked out, including who the systems coordinator will be and where the collection depots will be located.

It is envisaged that there will be no obligation for retailers to participate.

In regard to accepting returns of CDS containers. Retailers will be able to opt in

MGA, through Mark, will continue to be vigilant in regard to diverting any risk of red tape or cost burdens associated with this scheme away from MGA’s members.

www.mga.asn.au

12

INDUSTRY NEWS

March 2017 - Edition 2

INDUSTRY NEWS

13

Australian cybersecurity Cybercrime affects every sector of the Australian economy, and the risks will only increase as we see IoT, automation and Big Data proliferate.

At recent meetings in Canberra together with the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s cyber security staff it was revealed that cybersecurity is now at the top of the political agenda in Australia.

growing exponentially with the average cost of a cyber attack to an Australian business is $276,000. Globally, cyber attacks costs businesses as much as $US500b annually.

Yet only a very small percentage of executives in Australia consider cybersecurity a critical issue, indicating a disconnect between the reality of threats and the awareness of them at the executive level. This may also be the case with many MGA members.

Unsecured devices, including webcams and Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets, are a major source for DDoS attacks: A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack took down the Australian Bureau of Statistics eCensus website in August 2016. Every Australian who uses household and business technology must be aware of the dangers.

What is IoT? The Internet of Things (IoT) is the inter-networking of physical devices, vehicles (also referred to as "connected devices" and "smart devices"), buildings, and other items—embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity that enable these objects to collect and exchange data.

MGA encourages all members to not ignore this real threat and to contact MGA to enquire about MGA’s Cyber Insurance opportunity with its insurance partner Adroit. Addressing cyber crime is an expensive exercise given the scarcity of skilled Cyber IT assistance that is available.

What is DDoS? DDoS is short for Distributed Denial of Service. DDoS is a type of DOS attack where multiple compromised systems, which are often infected with a Trojan, are used to target a single system causing a Denial of Service (DoS) attack. xchange data.

The Prime Minister has committed to assist Australian businesses to step up to meet the challenge of cybercrime, to help understand it and combat Australia's biggest economic threat – cybercrime.

MGA will be working closely with the PM’s office to avail itself of any education programs on offer.

The cost of cybercrime in Australia is

www.mga.asn.au

Don’t just renew…

“Adroit provide ideas for preventative measures and procedures so we focus on what we are best at. I have confidence in them!”

Jean Cowley.

Owner – IGA St Leonards & Barwon Heads.

...review & get the right protection for you.

We know you don’t want to spend your time worrying about insurance, but would your current insurance be enough to see you through?

Access your member discounts and

SAVE!

Let your insurance industry experts take care of everything for you. Call your local Broker today and rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.

We’ve worked with MGA to develop a tailored insurance solution to meet the specific needs of their members.

Contact your local broker on 1300 402 756 for a FREE INSURANCE REVIEW or go to www.adroitig.com.au/mga

15

INDUSTRY NEWS

Cyber crime, is your business covered?

If you get your information about cybercrime (“hacking” or “cyber-attacks”) from newspapers and TV then you’d be forgiven for thinking that only companies the size of Yahoo and Amazon are targets.

Think again.

With over 97% of all businesses in Australia being small businesses, the reality is that your supermarket business is just as exposed as those larger more visible enterprises; Deloitte predicts Australians will face over 10,000,000 cyber attacks in 2017.

In fact, small businesses are much more vulnerable than large corporations and contrary to popular belief, size and obscurity are no protection. According to technology giant Symantec last year saw over 60% of all cyber-attacks globally targeted at SMEs. The cost to your business could be huge, with the federal government estimating that cyber-attacks cost Australian

businesses over a billion dollars a year. Anthony Di Fiore, Professional Risks Advisor at Adroit says “Estimates to business for each stolen record will be between $200 and $350, multiply that cost by your number of customers and the potential loss is significant, in addition, regulators have the ability to impose a fine of up to $1.7m for a privacy breach”.

Aside from notifying your loyal and hard-won customers, you may also face costs for rebuilding your company’s personal profile and re-establishing trust.

Then there’s the cost of investigations, compensation, and engaging experts to repair your database – if it has survived the attack.

When a small business is attacked, owners often jump to the conclusion that they were “just unlucky”.

Unfortunately, this is not the case, with cyber criminals deploying automated tools to scour the internet looking for weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

As a supermarket you may not be in a position to afford teams of IT professionals and the latest security tools – however there are still many things you can do in order to help protect yourself, your business and your customers: • Fortify your computer operating systems and ensure all anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software is installed, up-to-date and working.

• Make regular backups of your data and store it offsite. And by regular we mean as often as necessary – which in some cases means daily.

• Be vigilant with access management – it’s too easy to slip into bad habits, so don’t be lazy with passwords!

• Remove administration rights from computers that don’t need it and check with your IT provider if they have remote access to your systems and what security controls they have in place.

• And crucially, take the time to review your insurance coverage!

Specific cyber-cover is now readily available, and typical policies cover thirdparty compensation, associated defence costs, fines and penalties imposed by government authorities, the cost of public relations and crisis management to deal with reputational damage, the cost of restoring data and repairing or replacing IT assets, and business income and cyber extortion expenses.

Talk to us today about assessing your risk and arranging cover that will help make any successful cyber-attack a nuisance rather than the thing that destroyed your company.

Contact your local Adroit broker on 1300 402 756 for a FREE INSURANCE REVIEW or go to www.adroitig.com.au/mga

www.mga.asn.au

16

INDUSTRY NEWS

Install EC fans in your cool rooms and save sooner

*Savings based on trial conducted at a Victorian supermarket from January to April 2016, replacing one fan at 19ct/kWh. Figure includes savings on refrigeration load due to reduced heat emission by EC fans based on a C.O.P. of 2.0. Trial conducted by ebm-papst A&NZ with Refrigeration Innovations. Commercial information provided by Markair Components Pty Ltd. Reference CS088.

Refrigeration and HVAC equipment typically accounts for more than 40% of a supermarket’s energy consumption. Replacing your old fans with ebm-papst EC fans can save you considerably throughout the lifetime of the product. The graph shows that the initially higher capital expense of an ebm-papst EC fan is quickly outweighed by the product’s higher efficiency. It shows the replacement cost of replacing one evaporator fan with a high-efficiency EC fan compared to the original AC fan.

EC Upgrades can help you reduce your power bills by upgrading your existing fans with high efficiency alternatives to all fan products in your premises. Contact us today to arrange your free audit and quote.

More information at www.ECUpgrades.com.au

March 2017 - Edition 2

17

INDUSTRY NEWS QUEENSLAND

MGAQ Committee engages with the Queensland Government The MGAQ committee has been very busy in recent months addressing the many state based issues that either effect members now or will in the future.

It is disappointing to report that the current Palaszczuk Government has had little to no good news to deliver to our members in Queensland. They seem to only wish to place more red tape and cost burdens upon our members businesses in the form; a tobacco license (high fees), a Container Deposit Scheme, a ban on all plastic bags, poor planning and zoning laws, no interest in allowing packaged liquor to be sold by independent supermarkets, and the deregulation of trading hours.

MGA will always represent its members to help reduce and eliminate red tape and cost burdens, whilst exploring real business opportunities. As said, there are many matters currently at play.

The MGAQ committee, along with members, have long been opposing the deregulation of QLD trading hours, as this would only play into the hands of the already dominant supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths, whilst severely impacting Queensland privately owned business and family enterprises.

The recent Mickel Trading Hours Review report was very disappointing, recommending additional trading hours be granted throughout Queensland,

The government’s most recent decision legislated in the parliament, with a matter of weeks to go before the Easter period, is to allow all big businesses to trade on Easter Sunday. How is it that a significant decision such as this can be made without any notice at all? MGA members who are of an exempt status across Queensland have purchased large quantities of Easter Eggs and other stocks knowing that according to the law that they know, they will be the only retailers trading on Easter Sunday. This a government that is out of touch with the communities they preside over and is clear evidence that big business holds sway in Queensland.

A strongly worded letter will be sent to all Queensland MPs, forthcoming election candidates (including One Nation and Greens) in the forthcoming weeks to voice our deepest concerns for the health and well being of Queensland businesses.

Minister for Small Business Leeanne Enoch is a very keen supporter of Queensland businesses but can do little in most of the areas that are not in her remit as the Small Business Minister.

Debbie Smith is MGAQ’s representative on the Small Business Ministers Small Business Advisory Council and will continue to be vigilant in representing her fellow retailers in Queensland. MGA will keep members updated with any progress.

VICTORIA

MGA meets new VIC Small Business Commissioner On the 13t of February, MGA, for the first time met with newly appointed Victorian Small Business Commissioner, Judy O’Connell has taken over from Geoff Browne and will continue to build on the very good work the commission has provided for small business in Victoria for a number of years.

Judy will be invited to attend MGA’s members events and Judy O’Connell functions to have the opportunity to engage and discuss any matters of concern with members and industry stakeholders.

MGA attends retailer regional meetings

Paul Everard Metcash Victoria GM In recent weeks, at the request of a number of MGA members from around Australia, MGA has either presented at, or provided presentations to various retailer regional meetings. The topic for discussion has mainly concerned MGA members workplace relations compliance obligations, particularly the underpayment of wages.

Whilst we recognise that all members generally do their very best to comply with their awards, there are times when simple oversight may lead to an underpayment of wages in the workplace.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has been busy around Australia implicating various retailers and franchisors, as members may be aware. MGA urges members to contact MGA immediately for assistance should members have any doubts about the wages they are paying their staff. The reputation of your business and your brand in the community will be put at risk if you do not comply with your wages obligations.

Contact MGA freecall 1800 888 479.

www.mga.asn.au

18 INDUSTRY NEWS BEWARE: THE HIDDEN ELECTRICITY COSTS

METERING COSTS Metering Cost $8,892.00*+

Was $6.79 per day Now $1.92 per day Electricity $33,000.00*

Tariff Review $30,000.00* Peak Reset $22,800.00* Billing Errors $1,350.00*

JUST THE TIP OF

THE ICEBERG? A recent case study done by Aussie NRG on one of MGA’s very own members stores, has identified approximately $96,042.00 worth of savings over a 5 year contract!

Aussie NRG can assist you with all aspects of your electricity costs to secure savings and improve your profit.

If you are paying more than $1.92 per day for your metering costs give us a call.

*These figures represent dollars saved in ONE store over a 5 year contract negotiated by Aussie NRG

For an obligation FREE quote Send both pages of your recent energy bill to: MGA’s dedicated account manager on: 1300 139 731 Email: mges@aussienrg.com March 2017 - Edition 2

AUSSIE

NRG

19

INDUSTRY NEWS

Cost of energy crippling MGA members The past 3 years MGA members around the country have seen a marked increase in their energy bills. The cost to run supermarket and liquor store lighting, refrigeration, freezers, point of sale systems and so the list goes on, has escalated exponentially each year. The benefit of the carbon tax cut ($70m saving to our industry) was short lived.

MGA has a strong partnership with national organisation Aussie NRG which does its best to procure and provide members with the best deal possible for their use of electricity and gas.

Below is an example of one of MGA’s most prominent members voicing a heartfelt concern regarding escalating energy costs and the effects that will have on his businesses.

Drakes Supermarkets owner Roger Drake, who operates 60 stores with 6000 workers as an independent grocery retailer in South Australia and Queensland, said he was slicing his labour budget to balance ballooning power costs while losing ground to Woolworths and Coles,

which could amortise power costs across national operations.

“We’re cutting people, which is tragic, but we can’t get any more margin,’’ he said.

“We are in a disadvantage to be able to compete with the major players… once the independent disappears in South Australia, it will be the end of competition as we know it.’’

The $1 billion group, which has diesel generators at every store to counter failures, asked 11 power retailers in December to tender for supply but only three made an offer. It chose a one-year contract with Origin, resulting in its annual power bill rising from $5m to an expected $7m this year.

Mr Drake discounted an offer by Mr Koutsantonis to subsidise solar panels on Drakes stores because the company did not own every site. The only route to cheaper power was for the state government to take control of generation assets, he said.

Mr Koutsantonis told radio station FIVEaa

Supermarket staff cut to absorb $2.5m rise in power costs the government was the state’s largest power customer and had gone to tender for a new supplier offering a 10-year contract to underpin a new competitor.

“We informed AGL and Origin they’re not eligible to apply for this tender (which closed on January 6) … we want to make sure we get new generation … to compete with the monopolies that are behaving quite appallingly,’’ he said.

He blamed high gas prices with thermal generation “sitting idle” in the state as well as the “cartel” behaviour of major electricity retailers underpinning the highest power prices in Australia.

QUEENSLAND

MGA meets Member for Mount Isa, Queensland On the 28th February MGA met with Independent MP for Mount Isa, Robbie Katter to discuss a number of matters of great importance to the future sustainability of MGA’s QLD members. These matters included the deleterious effect of the recent liberalisation of trading hours in South East Queensland, the recently released Mickel Trading Hours Review report and the subsequent cabinet response document, the proposed container deposit scheme, plastic bag bans, proposed tobacco licensing and planning and zoning inconsistencies.

Robbie Katter and Jos de Bruin

Robbie Katter was very receptive to the needs of Queensland privately owned businesses and family enterprises and committed to working feverishly for the best interests of Queensland owned small business.

www.mga.asn.au

20

Independent Solutions provides POS software (Profit Track™) to Independent Retailers to make everyday tasks easy. We have recently added new technologies to include:

Cashless Self-Checkout

CashGuard Payment

Internet Shopping

CafĂŠ Bump Bar Style System

Want to know more?

Call your local Account Manager on

1800 020 946

March 2017 - Edition 2

INDUSTRY NEWS

21

DrinkWise Australia MGA Liquor has been a long term supporter of the Drinkwise organisation. MGA supports community based education and the fostering of a positive and responsible Australian drinking culture rather than imposing additional taxation burdens and regulations to dissuade Australian people from purchasing and consuming alcoholic products. This is simply a very blunt mechanism. Drinkwise is an organisation that takes its work very seriously in assisting with well thought out and effective educational and promotional messaging concerning the responsible consumption of alcohol in our community.

Recently at a showcase event in Canberra, DrinkWise celebrated more than a decade of sustained and targeted activity aimed at changing the drinking culture.

Welcoming attendees to the event at Parliament House, Neil Comrie, Chair of the DrinkWise Board, said: “Over the past eleven years, DrinkWise has invested over $30m in our campaigns and education activity. It is pleasing to see, through Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data, the positive shifts in drinking attitudes and behaviour.”

Invited guests, the Hon. Sussan Ley MP, former Minister for Health and Aged Care, and the Hon. Christopher Pyne MP, Minister for Defence Industry, addressed over 100 attendees including parliamentarians, departmental staff and senior industry executives.

Dr Andrew Rochford, long time Ambassador to DrinkWise, was the master of ceremony for the event.

Expressing her appreciation for DrinkWise’s pragmatic approach, Minister Ley said “I want to congratulate DrinkWise on the work that they are doing... DrinkWise has taken an approach that makes sense to the broader Australian population, recognising that nearly all Australians drink in moderation but for those for whom drinking is harmful, we need to support them, [and] educate them.. It is about a sensible balance, it is about moderation and it is about recognising the valuable role that DrinkWise plays within that.”

In 2006, as the then Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Minister Pyne awarded DrinkWise $5m on behalf of the Howard Government. Referencing this funding, Minister Pyne noted the government’s support for an approach

that tried to “break the mould of ‘them and us’ in the alcohol space”.

Discussing DrinkWise’s innovative campaigns, Minister Pyne said: “DrinkWise attempts to bring community representatives together with industry representatives to come up with sensible propositions, and it does that in a way that is different to what we’ve seen before. Young people love DrinkWise’s campaigns, because they speak to them in a language that they understand and that they find either funny or engaging and then they share it with their friends...

So rather than having a campaign that says that one standard drink is all you should have or that venues should stop serving alcohol at a particular time of the day or night, we have a much more sensible approach – saying that drinking is fine and that you should be able to have fun, it’s part of the Australian culture, and DrinkWise does that.”

The showcase provided the opportunity to highlight the depth of DrinkWise’s approach to improving the Australian drinking culture. Digital screens throughout the room highlighted the key social marketing programs and educational activities being undertaken. These videos are available on the DrinkWise website: https://drinkwise.org.au • How to Drink Properly • You won’t miss a moment if you DrinkWise • Parents campaign • Labelling • Red Dust Role Models partnership On behalf of the DrinkWise Board, CEO John Scott expressed appreciation for the industry’s ongoing commitment for the past 11 years: “without industry funding, our award winning campaigns and educational activity would not have been possible. It has allowed the ability for sustained and targeted approaches to changing poor aspects of our drinking culture – and importantly provides a model for how industry, government and the community can work together.”

www.mga.asn.au

22

LEGAL AND HR

LEGAL AND HR Sunday penalty rates case – an historic decision Sunday penalty rates have remained a feature of our award system since the early 20th century, so modernisation of Sunday penalty rates was inevitable as society changes. If we were serious about modernising industrial relations in Australia then there would come a time when we needed to look at whether Sunday should be regarded as a ”different day”. Does society still view Sunday as a day of rest or a day for going to church and even if that is still the case, if we choose to work should it be any different from any other day?

Another factor to consider is whether it is still viable, from a productivity perspective, to pay a high penalty rate on Sunday if it prevents an employer from spreading whatever money is in the coffers across a greater number of employees?

The answers to these questions are not easy. It is still a day that people expect to have off from work and there should be some monetary compensation for working, when friends are off to a barbeque or to the beach on Sunday.

Those who do work on Sunday should still receive some allowance for loss of leisure time when friends and family are enjoying themselves, but perhaps there are valid

reasons for reducing the additional payment so it is fairer for all parties. Any reduction in a weekly pay packet is not a pretty sight and no employer wants to upset loyal staff. But the reality is more people need jobs and businesses need to remain sustainable and employ more people if they can. It is wrong to assume that just because penalty rates may be reduced that the employer is going to pocket the money for themselves. Many employers want to be able to genuinely employ more staff, offer better service and they don’t want to work on Sunday because they want to have some time with their families themselves.

Making more jobs available and having a reduced workload are just rewards for any employer.

MGA and other employers have sought to reduce penalty rates in the award for many years but it was going to take a massive amount of research and the use of expert oratory skills to convince a bench in the Commission that it was justifiable to make a change. A QC specialised in this area of law was able to persuade the Commission that the penalty reduction was justified.

The hearing in the Fair Work Commission was held over nearly 200 days and there was a massive amount of evidence from witnesses with most being subject to cross examination. It was only after very careful consideration that the Full Bench of the Commission reached the conclusion that, imposing a heavy penalty rate on certain days at certain times could have the effect of deterring employers from providing work on those days. It was counterproductive to insist that employers employ people at a higher rate but employing less people overall.

The Commission did not say that employees should not be

March 2017 - Edition 2

remunerated at all for working at times that may be considered unacceptable or unsociable hours, rather that the award should still provide some additional remuneration.

The consequence of the decision insofar as decreases in Sunday penalty rates are concerned mean that a full time or part time employee employed on Sunday will now receive a penalty of 150 per cent as opposed to 200 per cent. A casual employee will receive a Sunday penalty of 175 per cent and not 200 per cent.

The Full Bench also decided changes to public holiday rates were justified and proposed that in the Retail Award the penalty for a permanent employee would be 225 per cent and there would be no change for casuals.

Many would say that the changes are not fair for employees, but if we look at this issue from the employer’s side perhaps it has been unfair to employers for a long time too. In order to establish a balance between these two polarised views the Fair Work Commission has adopted a “phased in” system and the impact on a worker’s pay packet will be alleviated by a reduction in the Sunday penalty over a period of 4 years.

There is no doubt that there has been an hysterical reaction in some quarters to this decision. Ultimately the decision will be a positive one for the economy overall and as President Ross pointed out in his decision, referring to several other awards as well as the Retail Award, “the modern awards before us do not achieve the modern awards objectives, as they do not provide a fair and relevant safety net.” Perhaps eventually those who have reacted adversely to this decision will come to realise that everyone will benefit in the longer term.

LEGAL AND HR

23

Types of leave employees can take Employees can take leave for a number of reasons. Whether they are going on a holiday, if they are sick or to take care of sick family members. Minimum leave entitlements for employees come from the National Employment Standards (NES).

Annual leave All employees except casuals, receive paid annual leave. Full-time and part-time employees get 4 weeks of annual leave, based on their ordinary hours of work.

Remember that shiftworkers may get up to 5 weeks of annual leave per year.

Annual leave starts to accumulate from the employee’s first day of employment.

Annual leave accumulates year to year.

Annual leave does not accumulate when the employee is on unpaid leave, unpaid sick/carers leave and unpaid parental leave. Payment of annual leave is paid at the employee’s base rate of pay for all ordinary hours worked. Payment excludes overtime rates, penalties and allowances.

Directing an employee to take annual leave can only occur in some situations.

These include if the business is closed during the Christmas and New Year period and if an employee has accrued annual leave of at least 8 weeks (10 weeks for a shiftworker).

Cashing out annual leave is permitted

under the General Retail Industry Award.

The maximum amount of accrued paid annual leave that may be cashed out in any period of 12 months is 2 weeks. An employee’s remaining accrued entitlement to paid annual leave cannot be less than 4 weeks after cashing out their leave.

Sick and Carer’s leave A full-time employee receives 10 days per year of paid sick and carer’s leave and a part-time employee receives 10 days pro rata each year depending on their ordinary hours of work. This allows employees to take time off if they are sick or injured, they have caring responsibilities or family emergencies.

Like annual leave, sick and carer’s leave starts to accrue on the employees first day of work and accumulates year to year.

All employees, including casuals receive 2 days of unpaid carer’s leave. An employee may take unpaid carer’s leave as a single continuous period of up to 2 days or any separate periods to which the employee and employer agree.

Compassionate and Bereavement leave All employees including casuals are entitled to 2 days of compassionate and bereavement leave for each occasion.

Full-time and part-time employees receive 2 days of paid compassionate leave and casual employees receive 2 days of unpaid

compassionate leave. Compassionate leave can be taken when a member of an employee’s immediate family or household suffers a life-threatening illness or injury or dies. An employee may take compassionate leave as a single continuous 2 day period, 2 separate periods of 1 day or any separate periods to which the employee and employer agree.

Maternity and parental leave An employee is entitled to 12 months of unpaid parental leave with the birth or an adoption of a child or the employee’s spouse or de facto partner. The leave must be taken in one continuous period.

Employees are entitled to take parental leave if they have completed at least 12 months of continuous service. Casual employees are entitled to unpaid parental leave if they have, or will be, a long term casual employee of the employer for at least 12 months and a reasonable expectation of continuing work with the employer on a regular and systematic basis, had it not been for the birth or adoption of a child. Furthermore, an employee is entitled to a period of unpaid special maternity leave if she is not fit for work because she has a pregnancy related illness.

For further information contact MGA’s HR & Legal Team on 03 9824 4111 (Line 1).

Following procedural steps for unfair dismissal Dismissing an employee can always carry a risk that an employer may be confronted with an unfair dismissal claim.

You may have a valid reason to terminate an employee’s employment, however you must always ensure that the process adopted to terminate the employment was in all respects, procedurally fair.

A recent case in the Fair Work Commission found that the employer had grounds to terminate the employee’s employment. However the employer denied the employee an opportunity to advance any explanation, or offer

any defence, or provide other factors which may have had some influence on the employer’s decision to dismiss.

As a result, the Commission found that the dismissal was harsh, unjust and unreasonable and in contravention of the provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009. The employee was awarded compensation of $3,520.00 because they were denied an opportunity to respond.

It is crucial that when employers are dismissing an employee that procedural steps are followed to ensure that the dismissal is not found to be unfair. In

the event that there is a valid reason for dismissal, compensation will still be awarded if you don’t follow the proper process. Employers should always remember their obligations with respect to performance management and disciplinary processes before terminating an employee. Due to the technical nature of these matters, members are strongly advised to contact the MGA Legal & HR team before terminating an employee for any reason.

For further information contact MGA’s HR & Legal Team on 03 9824 4111 (Line 1).

www.mga.asn.au

24

LEGAL AND HR

Mountain Goat started out as Dave’s weekend homebrew project in a suburban Melbourne backyard when a postcard turned up from his mate Cam who was backpacking overseas.

Cam had just discovered good beer in Vancouver and decided Melbourne needed good beer too. This was back in 1997.

So Cam and Dave had a great idea but no money to build a brewery. They were knocked back from every bank they approached but

Drink Responsibly.

March 2017 - Edition 2

luckily, with a little help from friends and family, they prevailed and Mountain Goat was soon tapped at a few local pubs.

Today, almost 19 years later, Mountain Goat is now found nationally and the brewery and bar still operates in the back streets of Richmond, with a lineup of old favourites on tap and constantly changing limited releases and barrel aged beers.

From Steam Ale, one of Australia’s first organic beers, to the refreshing Summer Ale and Pale Ale, through to the complex malt characters in Hightail Ale and Fancy Pants, there is a Mountain Goat beer for everyone.

To place an order for Mountain Goat please contact your Asahi Premium Beverages representative or call our customer service team on 1800 090 378.

goatbeer.com.au

LEGAL AND HR

25

The great plastic bag debate Where Australia is at Currently plastic bag bans exist in South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT. The ban applies to all retailers for single-use, lightweight polyethylene polymer plastic bags that are less than 35 microns in thickness.

Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia are yet to implement a plastic bag ban, however Queensland has proposed a ban to take effect on 1 July 2018.

The evidence Australians use approximately 5 billion plastic check out bags annually, that marine environment and livestock can be affected by plastic bag litter and that Federal and State Governments spend over $200 million annually on picking up litter.

Other countries In 2002 a levy was placed on plastic bags in Ireland and the monies were donated

A look at Queensland The Queensland Government intends to ban lightweight plastic bags by 1 July 2018, consistent with other states and including biodegradable singlet – style bags, based on the finding that biodegradable bags pose a risk to certain aquatic species. In the South Australian jurisdiction it is possible to purchase a bag, however Queensland has chosen not to make any plastic bags even available for purchase.

“Implementing a lightweight plastic shopping bag ban in Queensland” with a focus on the effect of the ban on independent retailers in Queensland.

MGA submitted that the introduction of a ban on plastic bags usage will have implications for MGA retailers at a time when they are struggling to survive in their businesses. MGA supports the introduction of an educational program which provides tips to consumers on how they may reduce the usage of plastic bags, including encouraging consumers to refuse to receive a plastic bag, displaying posters at checkouts about the environmental impact of using plastic bags and providing information at check outs about alternatives to plastic bags. MGA is committed to supporting independent retailers in Queensland.

What has MGA done about the Queensland plastic bag ban proposal?

MGA has put forward a submission in response to the Discussion Paper,

MGA will continue to keep members informed on the matter. For further information contact MGA’s HR & Legal Team on 03 9824 4111 (Line 1).

to charity. The result was a 95% reduction in the use of plastic bags in 18 months.

Other countries around the world have followed the lead set in Ireland and now questions are being asked about the remaining states in Australia who are yet to implement a plastic bag ban.

www.mga.asn.au

26

LIQUOR NEWS

March 2017 - Edition 2

27

LIQUOR NEWS

LIQUOR NEWS Changes to the annual NSW liquor licence fee scheme Liquor and Gaming NSW has announced changes to the annual liquor licence fee scheme, with compliance risk loadings included from 2017.

The changes follow an independent review of the annual liquor licence scheme in 2016 by the Hon Ian Callinan AC QC. The review found the annual liquor licence scheme was an appropriate measure to encourage venues to comply with the law and a valid way for licensees to contribute to the regulation of the industry.

However, Packaged Liquor Licences are exempt from paying the compliance risk base loading.

PACKAGED LIQUOR BASE FEE 2017 Packaged liquor

(1-3 outlets)

$520

Packaged liquor

(4-9 outlets)

$1,039

Packaged liquor

(10 or more)

$2,078

Late payment fee A late payment fee of $100.00 applies to licences where full payment is not received by the due date, and the licence is suspended.

To find out more about the annual liquor licence fee scheme please call MGA Liquor on 1800 888 479 or visit the Liquor & Gaming NSW website www. liquorandgaming.justice.nsw.gov.au.

Easter public holiday trading restrictions Members are reminded that this year Good Friday falls on the 14th March and Packaged Liquor Licenses are not permitted to trade on Good Friday.

Heavy penalties apply if you trade outside your liquor license normal trading hours. All members are advised to check their liquor licence conditions to determine whether they can trade outside their normal trading hours.

Should you require any further information please call MGA Liquor on 1800 888 479.

www.mga.asn.au

28

N

LIQUOR NEWS EW

March 2017 - Edition 2

To speak to your local T’Gallant representative please call 13 48 93

29

LIQUOR NEWS VICTORIA

Simplified process to change directors and nominees The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) has created a new online portal to streamline the process to vary or add new nominees and directors to existing liquor licences.

It is the first stage in improving the online environment to help all Victorian licensees manage and regulate their liquor licence.

The new online application will simplify the process for licensees to add or vary directors or nominees by providing the opportunity: • to include multiple licence numbers in one application • for a legal representative or company representative to make the application on behalf of the directors of the company • of an immediate lodgement once all relevant sections completed • to instantly validate an existing RSA qualification • to track your application.

The current add or vary liquor licence directors and nominees form will remain available for use as part of the transition. At the end of this transition period, only online applications will be accepted.

COST

Application to remove a nominee or director

$0.00

Application to add or replace a nominee or director

$203.80

Payment for online applications is by credit card only (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) Please note application fees are exempt from GST. No GST is charged or can be claimed on these payments.

INTRODUCING NEW MIST WOOD GIN A REFRESHING AND SOPHISTICATED NEW WAY TO EXPERIENCE GIN PREMIUM GIN PAIRED WITH UNIQUE NON TONIC FLAVOUR COMBINATIONS LIGHT AND REFRESHING WITH JUST A HINT OF SWEETNESS IT’S THE FLAVOUR ON GIN REINVENTED AVAILABLE IN 4X320ML 5% ABV BOTTLES

TO PLACE AN ORDER FOR MIST WOOD GIN PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ASAHI PREMIUM BEVERAGES REPRESENTATIVE OR CALL OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM ON 1800 090 378

www.mga.asn.au

30

LIQUOR NEWS

Around the World Toxic liquor kills at least 32 people in Pakistan BBC News Asian Bureau recently reported that at least 32 people have died and dozens have been left seriously ill after drinking toxic alcohol over Christmas in Punjab in Pakistan, officials say.

The dead, mostly minority Christians, consumed the homemade liquor in the city of Toba Tek Singh.

A hangover-free booze in North Korea seems to be a much talked about subject these days in the Communist state and critics have wondered if it's Kim Jong-Un's favourite alcoholic drink.

Muslims are forbidden from buying or drinking alcohol in Pakistan and minorities need a permit to buy liquor.

Citing state-owned Pyongyang Times, Sky News said that the Koryo Liquor, made with ginseng and organic rice, leaves drinkers free of a hangover. This special booze is made with "boiled and scorched glutinous rice" and has an alcohol content of 30%-40%, the report said.

With alcohol sales tightly regulated, cheap homebrewed spirits often contain poisonous methanol.

It’s the latest case of deadly alcohol poisoning in Pakistan after 11 died in October, also in Punjab province.

Police officer Mohammad Nadeem told BBC Urdu that 25 people were still being treated in hospitals in Toba Tek Singh and Faisalabad to have their stomachs pumped.

“The men who belong to the Christian community drank liquor on the night of 25 December and went home. Tragedy struck the next morning when many did not rise from their beds, while others got sick,” he said.

He said two local men had been asked to buy alcohol for the party.

“The local sellers were out of stock so they went and bought it from somewhere else. Both have died.”

Police are questioning a number of locals

March 2017 - Edition 2

Kim JongUn's favourite liquor shot is hangover-free booze?

to find out where the alcohol was made and sold.

Because of Pakistan’s liquor regulations, many people illegally brew alcohol at home, and there have been several cases of mass poisonings in the past. In 2014 some 40 people died within a few days as a result of drinking tainted alcohol in Sindh.

Distilling alcohol safely requires precise conditions to ensure methanol, or methyl alcohol, is separated from the drink.

Hundreds of people have also died in mass alcohol poisoning incidents in neighbouring India in recent years.

Last week dozens of people died in the Russian city of Irkutsk after drinking a bath lotion which contained alcohol.

The drink's "subtle blend... of the scorched starch with the sweetness of glucose cannot be produced with any spices" and the "scorched glutinous rice" contain amino acids and vitamins which help the body break down fats, it said.

The Koryo Liquor has won a series of accolades in the North Korean food and drink industry, the report added.

31

LIQUOR NEWS

Holograms, barcodes to check sale to fake liquor in Maharashtra, India NDTV recently reported that all liquor bottles in Maharashtra will henceforth carry a hologram and barcode to ensure the contents are genuine, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in Mumbai.

A decision to this effect, which will cover country (desi) liquor, major locally manufactured brands and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), was taken by the state cabinet at a meeting presided over

by Mr Fadnavis.

“This will check illicit or spurious liquor sales in the markets which cuts into the excise revenue of the state,” Mr Fadnavis said.

The decision assumes significance in the wake of the spurious liquor tragedy of

June 17 last year which claimed 106 lives – the worst in the state’s history.

The excise department had proposed these mandatory features of hologram and barcodes to curb the menace of spurious and illegal liquor in the state.

With the barcode, it would simply require a scan from a mobile phone to check the genuineness or otherwise of the liquor bottle, through a special app that will be developed.

The measure will also enable a ‘track and trace mechanism’ of the bottle right from the manufacturer to the retailer and also make public its authenticity.

To be positioned near the lid/mouth of the bottle, the polyester-based hologram -- which cannot be duplicated or reused -would also reveal if the bottle is smuggled.

An official from the Chief Minister’s Office said the move will be implemented “very soon” after the relevant formalities are completed.

THE

SMOOTHER SIDE OF JACK

A G E N T L E M A N D R I N K S R E S P O N S I B L Y. GENTLEMAN JACK AND COLA 6% ABV (12 PROOF). JACK DANIEL’S AND GENTLEMAN JACK ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS. ©2016. CANNED UNDER LICENSE IN AUSTRALIA FROM LOCAL AND IMPORTED INGREDIENTS FOR BROWN-FORMAN AUST. PTY. LTD. JACKDANIELS.COM

BFO0309_GJ_Bottle & Can Magazine Ad_FA.indd 1

6/10/2016 12:19 PM

www.mga.asn.au

ANNOUNCING

OUR NEW TRAINING IDENTITY

Access our new FREE tobacco courses

Check out our deals and bundles

Revamped updated content

Easy to use self paced learning

Log into mga.asn.au/ma-training to access your member discounts!

33

TRAINING

TRAINING Tobacco training MGA Industry Training has developed an easier online training module available to members at no cost to the business. The FREE tobacco training is important to be undertaken by all staff that are involved in the sale of tobacco products.

Retailers of tobacco have an important role to play in preventing children and adolescents from obtaining tobacco products by taking steps to ensure they comply with laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to people under the age of 18 years.

One of the steps you can take to avoid hefty fines that can be inflicted on businesses is to train the staff in regard to the correct procedures for selling tobacco. A person who sells tobacco products to a person under 18 years of age is responsible. In addition to the person who sold the tobacco product,

their manager or employer may also be responsible and may face a fine of up to 50 penalty units* if found guilty in court (legal costs may also be awarded against you in addition to a fine). South Australia and Western Australia fines are of monetary value. In Victoria it is highly recommended that the sale of tobacco training occurs every six (6) months.

• • • • •

• *The value of penalty units vary from state to state and increase at regular intervals.

At the time of this publication a penalty unit value can range from: • New South Wales – $110.00 • Queensland – $121.90

Northern Territory – $154.00 Victoria – $155.46 Tasmania – $157.00 Australian Capital Territory – varies from individual to corporation South Australia – expiation fine is $315; if court proceedings occur maximum of $5,000.00 fine may be incurred Western Australia – 1st offence the maximum fine for individual may be $10,000 and corporation $40,000.

2nd and subsequent offences doubled

For more information contact MGA Industry Training on 1800 888 479.

Safety in the supermarket Supermarkets have a number of hazards that can potentially cause harm to both employees and customers. The following obstacles must be overcome on a daily basis. There are many ways to combat these hazards by having workplace instructions in place and conducting training of all employees in workplace health and safety.

Obstruction hazards can cause customers and employees to trip. It is important to ensure aisles and walkways are clear in order to prevent tripping hazards to customers and employees. Pallets and various other stocking materials should be kept off the grocery store floor during normal business hours to avoid creating tripping hazards. Other obstacles to be aware of include loose floor mats, any products that have fallen off the shelves,

and exposed electrical cords.

Super market employees should be on guard for any hazards that present themselves throughout the course of a business day and take immediate action to prevent injury.

Slipping hazards can occur from water build-up on the store floors both in the public area and back storeroom. Leaky pipes in refrigeration units or spilled products can create a potential slipping hazard, these must be cleaned up immediately. Maintaining floor cleanliness throughout a store is vital to the safety and wellbeing of its employees and customers. Staff should always wear slip-resistant shoes and maintain a daily cleaning schedule to prevent potential slip hazards. A cleaning log should be maintained to show that the cleaning

has occurred and by whom. Employees should be educated on proper cleaning practices and the correct materials to use in the event of a spill.

Mechanical hazards can occur from equipment with sharp or moving parts, like deli slicers or forklifts. Supermarket employees tasked with using any type of machine should be properly trained and practice safe use of the equipment.

If necessary, employees should wear the proper protective clothing when using equipment. Machinery that is used regularly should be inspected for damage.

Should any issues arise, management should be made aware right away.

MGA Industry Training can assist in areas of safety in the workplace. To find out more contact 1800 888 479.

www.mga.asn.au

34

TRAINING

NATIONAL ONLINE COURSES MGA delivers training and Responsible Service of Alcohol compliance solutions specific This course deals with the skills and knowledge required to the needs of independent to satisfy the requirements for responsible service of alcohol under state/territory legislation. All persons retailers. We have a range of involved in the serving and sale of alcohol must training and compliance solutions complete this. readily available for members. *Log in to our website with our member login to order your courses at these member prices.

Basic Food Handling

Duration: 20-30 minutes Member Price: $25 Food Safety Supervisors

Duration: 4-8 hours Member Price: $105 Food Safety Supervisors – NSW

Duration: 4-8 hours Member Price: $150 Food Safety Supervisors Refresher Course – NSW

Duration: 2-4 hours Member Price: $100 Monitor Food Safety Program

RSA

SA

QLD

RSA

NT

RSA – WA, QLD, SA, NT

Duration: 3 hours Member Price: $45

RSA

RSA

ACT

RSA – ACT

ACT

RSA Refresher – ACT

VIC

RSA Face to Face – VIC

RSA RSA RSA

Duration: 3-4 hours Member Price: $45

(must be completed every 3 years) Duration: 1-2 hours Member Price: $30

Duration: 4 hours Member Price: $49

See our website for regional RSA courses.

Duration: 2-4 hours Member Price: $105

RESPONSIBLE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL COURSES

Food Safety Supervisor & Monitor Food Safety Program

Do you have 10 or more staff to train in RSA? Contact us to see if we can organise an instore course.

Duration: 6.5 hours Member Price: $180

March 2017 - Edition 2

WA

*Available in MELB Metro and surrounds.

35

TRAINING

Visit www.mga.asn.au to see our range of training courses Health and Safety These courses aim to provide employees with information and instruction on their responsibilities and the responsibilities of management with regard to workplace health and safety.

There is a large selection to choose from:

Health & Safety Induction

Duration: 30 minutes Member Price: $25 Administer Workplace Health & Safety

Duration: 60 minutes Member Price: $40 Emergency Management

Duration: 60 minutes Member Price: $25 Store Security

Duration: 30 minutes Member Price: $25 Manual Handling

Duration: 60 minutes Member Price: $25 Workplace Violence, Bullying & Harassment

Updated online courses on the MGA website The system and courses have been designed to be user friendly and work on most devices, including desktops, tablets and mobile phones. As long as you’ve got internet access, you’ve got learning opportunities.

Food Safety Food Safety Supervisor course for all states except NSW: $105 Food Safety Supervisor course for NSW: $150 Food Safety Supervisor refresher course NSW: $100 *Food Safety Supervisor refresher course is a new course developed for NSW. It contains the extra information on raw egg safety and allergens that the Food Authority now requires. You need to refresh NSW Food Safety Supervisor training every 5 years.

Responsible Service of Alcohol RSA Online for QLD, SA, WA, NT: $45

Duration: 30 minutes Member Price: $25

RSA Online for ACT: $45 *RSA Online Refresher course for ACT: $30

Hazard Identification & Risk Management

*The ACT RSA refresher course is to be completed every 3 years after your initial qualification. You must be able to supply evidence of your original RSA certificate to do this course. The online course can be completed in around 1 to 1.5 hours.

Duration: 40 minutes Member Price: $40

www.mga.asn.au

NEED ASSISTANCE TO HELP OPERATE YOUR BUSINESS SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY? LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL REPRESENTATION

HUMAN RESOURCES

AGREEMENTS

RECRUITMENT

CONTRACTS

Unfair dismissals, general protections, discrimination, wage claims

Drafting agreements for your store

Interview guidance

Terms and conditions of employment

AWARDS

REDUNDANCY

ABSENTEEISM

PERFORMANCE

Award terms and conditions, wage rates

Legal obligations and employee entitlements

Lengthy/frequent absences, abandonment of position

Improving workplace performance and conduct

HEALTH AND SAFETY

TRANSFER OF BUSINESS

WORKPLACE POLICIES

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Providing guidance for injured workers

Managing transfer/ transition of employees

Specifically designed for the retail industry

Legal process for termination

1800 888 479 www.mga.asn.au