ISSUE 6 | SEPTEMBER 2018
YOUR INDUSTRY NEWS PROVIDED BY MGA INDEPENDENT RETAILERS
2018 ANNUAL REPORT EDITION
Are your staff trained in allergen awareness? New courses available – see page 29 National Support Office
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1800 888 479
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www.mga.asn.au
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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
SUPPORT OFFICE 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
RETAILER DIRECTORS Rodney Allen (President): Victoria Graeme Gough: New South Wales Michael Daly: Victoria Gino Divitini: Western Australia Grant Hinchcliffe: Tasmania Carmel Goldsmith: New South Wales Chris dos Santos: South Australia Debbie Smith (Vice President): Queensland
MGA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jos de Bruin 03 9824 4111 E: jos.debruin@mga.asn.au
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP AND MEDIA SALES
CONTENTS 5 CEO welcome
INDUSTRY NEWS 7 Victoria ‘Target 2025’ – include the alternatives 8 Free range eggs definitions in the ACT 8 Ombudsman welcomes ABA Banking Code of Practice 9 Parliamentary inquiry on exploitation of retail chain cleaners 9 MGA corporate partners 11 Plastic bag bans 11 Cyber risk: The 24/7 danger 13 Enough talk on electricity, its time to act and lower energy costs 13 Ombudsman welcomes small business’ return to Cabinet
LEGAL AND HR 17 The reviews of the General Retail Industry Award 17 Workers compensation claims can be challenged 19 Can an employer reduce working hours?
Mark Paladino 0417 264 331 E: mark.paladino@mga.asn.au
LIQUOR NEWS
EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION
23 ALM appoints new Victorian General Manager
E: courtenay.hirst@mga.asn.au
FOLLOW US ONLINE: www.facebook.com/ MGAIndependentRetailers www.linkedin.com/company/ mga-independent-retailers www.twitter.com/ MasterGrocers
21 Northern Territory brings in $1.30 per standard drink floor price on alcohol
25 MGA welcomes new corporate partner Edgemill Group 25 MGA Liquor Committee meeting 27 The new Mitchelton is proudly independent focused
TRAINING 29 Allergy awareness – are your staff trained? 29 FREE tobacco training
www.mga.asn.au
MGA CORPORATE PARTNERS DIAMOND
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
ASSOCIATE
WAREHOUSE AND BRAND PARTNERS
tasmanian independent retailers
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CEO REPORT
CEO WELCOME Welcome to MGA’s FY2018 Annual Report magazine edition. Contained within the report members will find an overview of the year from MGA Board President Rod Allen and CEO Jos de Bruin followed by a broad summary of the many activities that took place to strongly support and service MGA members around Australia. MGA aspires to continue to be a high performing organisation. In pursuit of that goal, MGA’s team has committed to a higher purpose which is to “Make Life Easier” for members. MGA does this in many ways including; providing a seamless “in house” legal and HR support service by a professional employment law team, online and face to face compliance and professional development training as well as state and federal government advocacy, representing members on a myriad of matters that effect the impact on the operational viability and sustainability of members’ businesses. MGA’s unique positioning as an organisation only representing family enterprises and privately-owned businesses combined with a strong policy making capability, has lifted MGA’s profile and earned the respect of governments and regulators at both state and federal government levels. MGA has no conflicts, it is unequivocally representative of its members who are independently owned and operated businesses in the supermarket, liquor and timber and hardware sectors. The FY2018 Annual Report articulates the activities MGA engages in along with progress and outcomes. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all MGA members for your support throughout the year. Thanks must go to MGA’s corporate partners who have provided outstanding support enabling MGA to provide over and above services to members and MGA’s industry stakeholder partners who assist and support MGA in a number ways to connect with retailers to help safeguard their brands and their retailers’ businesses. The new financial year is now in full swing. Members who are respondent to the General Retail Award will have reflected the very large 3.5% wage increase as per the decision made by the Fair Work Commission back in May. This, on top of a 3.4% increase in FY2017, absorbing exorbitant electricity and compliance costs to do business, as well as unrelenting competition challenges has put unprecedented viability pressures on members’ businesses. MGA’s legal and HR team have determined that Australia has the most complex and
inflexible award system in the world – it’s simply too tough to employ people! MGA will remind our law makers of this act at every opportunity. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently revealed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by a modest 0.4 per cent in the June quarter 2018. The most significant price rises this quarter were for fuel, medical and hospital services, and tobacco. The Coalition Government recently passed its Income Tax Plan in full, which will see low and middle income earners benefit now. The new tax plan effecting 4.4 million middle and low income Australians and families will benefit from tax relief of up to $530 in this next financial year. The government has stated that the tax plan is a win for Australians who want to get ahead. Australians will have the certainty that when they earn more, get a pay rise at work or work more hours, they won’t face ever-increasing tax rates. This additional availability of disposable income will hopefully translate into the purchase of more goods and services from independent retailers. Further to this, tax brackets will be lifted to mitigate the impact of bracket creep, taking the $87,000 tax threshold to $90,000 in 2018-19 and then to $120,000 in 2022-23. It is envisaged the plan over time will enable more Australians to pay less tax by making personal taxes simpler, removing an entire tax bracket, that will mean around 94 per cent of taxpayers are projected to face a tax rate of 32.5 per cent or less. To conclude, I would like to encourage all members to “get involved” in their business and the local and federal political landscape. Our members of parliament know very little about the businesses we operate and the many challenges family enterprises and privately-owned businesses face on a day to day basis. Whether it be inappropriate developments, deregulation of trading hours, increasing electricity prices, anti-competitive behaviour of larger businesses, no matter is too small or large to raise with our members of parliament. We must be vigilant to make sure our industry sector has a voice and is not crowded out by larger competitors and these competitors do not receive unfair advantages.
Until next time – good selling. Jos de Bruin CEO MGA Independent Retailers
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INDUSTRY NEWS
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As one of Australia’s largest family owned dairy companies, we take great pride in our long-standing local heritage and our ongoing commitment to local business owners across Australia. We are passionate in helping like-minded Australian independently owned retailers like Fred Harrison, CEO of Ritchies IGA. We understand the pressures independent retailers face on a day-to-day basis and in order to show our support and to better service our retail partners, our dedicated Monde Nissin teams are there when you need them most.
Our Monde Nissin Account Manager builds a promotional program specifically to suit our business which also fits into our forecasted strategies for the season. As for all Independents, we’re time poor, and as a time-poor local independent retailer, this allows me to meet the growing demands of my customers, which makes both them and I very happy. – Fred Harrison, CEO of Richies IGA
To learn more or to place an order for the Bulla range, please contact your local Monde Nissin representative: September 2018 – Edition 6
INDUSTRY NEWS
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VICTORIA
Victoria ‘Target 2025’ – include the alternatives Victorian health groups, led by Quit Victoria, are hoping to achieve a smokefree Victoria by 2025 with the introduction of “Target 2025”.
on advertising tobacco products and disallowing smoking breaks at work. There would also be a heavy focus on increased educational campaigns.“
In response to this push to achieve a state free from the dangers of cigarette smoking Jos de Bruin, CEO of MGA Independent Retailers said, “Our members here at MGA strongly support caring for the health of all Victorians. If we can provide opportunities to reduce the dangerous incidence of smoking that results in a healthier Victorian population then we believe there is great value in this campaign.”
“However, we believe there are also other ways of reducing the serious impact of smoking. There is strong evidence from overseas that reveals the use of e-cigarettes and personal vaporizers will assist in the reduction of tobacco smoking. Target 2025 does not provide for their use as a means of assisting smokers to quit their habit.
Mr de Bruin continued, “We note that the proponents of this cause have suggested the introduction of stricter laws that would include further restrictions
“The current importation of nicotine e-cigarettes is increasing and causing serious economic loss to small businesses. Our small business members would welcome the opportunity to help
people to quit using tobacco products by promoting the use of alternative e-cigarettes and vaping products in stores. This would result in a win-win for business and the community. We urge the campaign health groups to seriously consider encouraging the use of alternative smoking products as part of Target 2025.”
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INDUSTRY NEWS AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Free range eggs definitions in the ACT MGA was recently contacted by the ACT Government to make contact with MGA’s members concerning a change in definition of free range eggs.
ACT members that were contacted, indicated they did not want yet another requirement obligation to comply with in the ACT.
The ACT Government would like requirements under the Eggs Act to reflect an ACT Government position that the current stocking density of 1,500 is preferable to the stocking density of 10,000 set out in the Information Standard. To achieve this goal, the ACT Government is considering also amending the display requirements in the Eggs Act.
At a time when state and federal governments are saying small business is the back bone of the economy and wish them to thrive rather than survive by helping to reduce red tape and cost burdens, here is yet another compliance obligation thrust upon business operators.
Currently, retailers in the ACT are required to display a sign near free range eggs which states ‘THESE ARE FREE RANGE EGGS”. Birds in a free range system are housed in sheds and have access to an outdoor range. This could be amended to require an additional sentence to the effect of ‘the ACT Government supports a stocking density of 1,500 hens per hectare or less.’ This would give context to consumers and allow them to make a comparison between the stocking density listed on an egg carton, and the ACT Government’s preferred stocking density.
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One member said they were in the business of compliance and they do a bit of retailing on the side. The main points that were raised opposing the ACT FREE RANGE EGG definition communication proposal are as follows: • The proposed ACT Government message would create confusion with consumers – between what is on the proposed sign in the store above the free range eggs (1,500/ hectare) and what is actually on the carton labelling. • The additional red tape is unnecessary – consumers are already shying away from cage and barn to
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free range eggs. We need to keep messaging simple and consistent. The additional message, if it is regulated, puts our members at risk of a breach – unknowingly. The Government should not make small family owned businesses do this – it is not their role to advocate to consumers on behalf of the ACT Government – there are national standards – if the ACT wishes to differ then it should put together a complete community education program. Don’t force our members – family owned businesses, to have yet another confusing sign concerning free range eggs that differs from Australian Standards.
Whilst MGA’s ACT members understand fully the intent of the ACT Government, there is a strong opinion that it is not their role to promote the ACT Government’s position on free range eggs definitions MGA’s members are very uncomfortable with this proposal.
NATIONAL
Ombudsman welcomes ABA Banking Code of Practice The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, welcomes the approval by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) of the Australian Banking Association’s (ABA) Banking Code of Practice. “The new Code is in line with our Small Business Loans Inquiry, where we recommended the Code be revised, that it be approved by ASIC and include a dedicated section on small business written in plain language. “We are disappointed the cap for small business loans is still set at a total loan facility of $3 million, as we had
September 2018 – Edition 6
recommended a credit facility of at least $5 million which would encompass capital intensive small businesses such as farms, building and manufacturing. “We are pleased ASIC will monitor the extent of the Code’s coverage of small business with data collected from banks and the AFCA, and publish that data every six months. “We will be keeping a close eye on those figures, with particular focus on industries we think require a higher lending cap, and also on ASIC’s work on the review of the small business definition.” Source – Kate Carnell ASBFEO
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INDUSTRY NEWS NATIONAL
Parliamentary inquiry on exploitation of retail chain cleaners Recently MGA and Tasmanian Independent Retailers represented all members at a parliamentary Senate Education and Employment Inquiry that was held in Tasmania and examined the potential exploitation of cleaners contracted to work in retail chains. MGA was invited to participate in the inquiry to answer questions from the Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Doug Cameron. MGA’s objective was to discourage and oppose any proposal for any additional red tape concerning the employment of contractors in members stores. The inquiry followed an examination of the issue by Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker who found in a Tasmanian investigation evidence of underpayments of more than $64,000. The Inquiry focused on 55 supermarket sites, including 31 Woolworths, 17 IGA and seven Coles stores but eventually focused on Woolworths’ cleaning labour supply chain. The subsequent report found the chain’s procurement process and oversight of contracts had contributed to a “culture of non-compliance”. This included significant underpayment
of cleaners, breaches of subcontracting terms, and corporate structures reliant on procurement of vulnerable workers. Drawing on 2016 Census data, Ms Parker said 50 per cent of cleaners in Australia were born overseas, 40 per cent spoke another language at home besides English, and 28 per cent did not have an Australian citizenship.
MGA corporate partners It is with great pleasure we introduce two new corporate partners to MGA:
She said her office had so far recovered $21,332.37 in underpayments. Ms Parker said the remainder of the money was outstanding because an employer had either left the jurisdiction or the affected employee had been unable to provide evidence of underpayment. Union lead researcher Frances Flanagan said the Fair Work Ombudsman’s investigation found non-compliance with the Cleaning Services Award at 90 per cent of Woolworths sites. “The nature of contract cleaners as a highly dispersed and hidden workforce means that the true extent of exploitation cannot be determined with precision,” she said. MGA will keep members informed as the Senate Committee is due to report in October.
and
Edgemill Group and Mitchelton Wines are family owned businesses that concentrate solely on providing to independent retailers. Their values are very much like many of MGA members: • They are proud to be family owned • They are focused on providing opportunities to independent retailers and • They have great products to offer Please remember, it is the support of our corporate partners that assist MGA to support independent retailers, so please support them in return. For more information on Edgemill Group please visit page 25. For more information on Mitchelton Wines please visit page 27.
www.mga.asn.au
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INDUSTRY NEWS
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September 2018 – Edition 6
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INDUSTRY NEWS NATIONAL
Plastic bag bans From 1 July 2018, Queensland and Western Australia banned the supply of single-use, lightweight plastic bags, bringing the states into line with the ACT, South Australia and Tasmania. To help members get the message across, MGA has developed clear, concise signage available to be put up in stores. Posters are available in A4 and A3 sizes and can be downloaded from the member portal. If you have forgotten your member login details or are having problem with either printing the posters on site or
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downloading the posters, please call MGA on 1800 888 479 for assistance.
Posters can be downloaded here: www.mga.asn.au/pbb-posters.
Cyber risk: The 24/7 danger In today’s wired world, no entity is immune to cyber-attacks – it is a 24/7 danger that can come from anywhere. SMEs are every bit as exposed – if not more so – to cyber dangers as their larger business counterparts.
adequate protection against data and privacy breaches. However, that is not the case and the days of carelessness are over. Naivety in the face of cyber danger is no longer a tenable option since the implementation of new data protection laws on 22 February 2018.
Generally speaking, smaller businesses are more vulnerable to online attacks from anonymous hackers lurking all over the globe. That vulnerability is compounded by the fact that many small business owners don’t take the dangers they’re exposed to seriously enough. This results in terribly unprepared small businesses, and once hackers strike it is too late.
One of the greatest risks to a supermarket is the embedding of malicious software (malware) into the point of sale/eftpos systems. The hackers malware will generally sit undetected for many months; the whole time collecting the credit card details of your customers to be sold on the dark web and used by criminals.
Small businesses are the target of close to half of all cybercrimes. Yet the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman says slightly more than a third of all SMEs have yet to adopt any form of protective measures against online breaches.
Not only do SMEs face cyber-attacks themselves, but business owners now risk fines of up to $2.1 million if they fail to report breaches to affected individuals and inform the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, the overseer of the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme.
More than eight out of 10 SMEs still believe their anti-virus software provides
Since the new regime kicked in on 22 February, 2018 the Commissioner has been
notified of 305 breaches. Clearly, cyber breaches are a very real danger, especially for SMEs. In severe cases an attack can inflict untold financial and personal miseries. Even worse, the saga can result in your whole business grinding to a complete standstill. This could be avoided with adequate Cyber Protection Insurance. Now is the time to give serious thought to the eventuality of a cyber-attack and the costs induced by a cyber breach. Our cyber protection insurance policy will help you mitigate any risk exposure from a digital breach. Contact your local broker today and they’ll work with you to find cyber insurance that best meets your business needs. Call 1300 402 756 for a FREE INSURANCE REVIEW or go to www.myadroit.com.au/mga
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INDUSTRY NEWS NATIONAL
Enough talk on electricity, its time to act and lower energy costs MGA has been long advocating at state and federal government levels and with regulators such as the ACCC, for more affordable electricity pricing for its members. MGA, a member of the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA) has joined with other small business industry bodies, social services and consumer groups to hold state and federal governments to account on achieving electricity price reductions for all Australians. The cost of electricity used to be a source of competitive advantage for Australian industries, now our electricity costs are amongst the highest in the OECD. This is harming our international competitiveness and economy, providing poor outcomes for consumers, and disproportionately and negatively impacting vulnerable consumers and communities. These conditions are clearly unacceptable. In June 2018, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released the Restoring Electricity Affordability & Australia’s Competitive Advantage Report, providing 56 recommendations across the electricity supply chain that, if implemented, will reduce electricity prices by at least 2025% Australia wide by 2020-21. It is now up to state and federal governments to accept and implement these recommendations. The Group is seeking that all levels of government commit to: • Implementing the ACCC recommendations that will achieve a minimum 20% average electricity price reduction within the next four years; • Establishing annual targets on achieving this price reduction target so the public can hold government to account; and • Ongoing consultation with industry and consumer groups on the design and implementation of the ACCC recommendations. Over the past decade, there has been a myriad of government reviews on the energy sector that has yielded very little tangible outcomes, with electricity prices doubling for most consumers and small business. All levels of government will be held accountable by the Group if ACCC recommendations are not implemented, and there is a failure to achieve the very conservative target of a 20% electricity price reduction within four years. There is no more room for political manoeuvring or passing the buck. Participating organisations include COSBOA (MGA & MGA TMA), Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Australian Council of Social Services, St Vincent De Paul (Victoria), NSW Farmers’ Association, Queensland Farmers Federation, National Irrigators Council, National Farmers’ Federation, Cotton Australia, Bundaberg Regional Irrigators Group, Consumer Action Law Centre, NSW Business Chamber, EUAA. MGA will keep members informed regarding outcomes that follow this initiative.
Ombudsman welcomes small business’ return to Cabinet The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, welcomes the return of small business to Cabinet, signalling the importance of the sector to Australia and its economy. “It’s great to have the small business portfolio back in Cabinet and to have Michaelia Cash as the minister responsible,” Ms Carnell said today. “Australia is a nation of small businesses and family enterprises, and our new Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, sees the value of this sector – the backbone of the Australian economy. “We thank former Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation, Craig Laundy for his enthusiasm and in-depth understanding of the sector. He has done a great job. “We look forward to working with Minister Cash on small business policy and a range of important issues for small businesses and family enterprises. “Most importantly, reducing the company tax rate for SMEs to 25%, addressing Michaelia Cash phoenixing, improving Source: Twitter small business’ access to capital, making the Fair Work Act easier to navigate and implementing e-invoicing.” Source: AAP MediaNet
www.mga.asn.au
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INDUSTRY NEWS
September 2018 – Edition 6
INDUSTRY NEWS
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www.mga.asn.au
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LEGAL AND HR NATIONAL
LEGAL AND HR The reviews of the General Retail Industry Award
Workers compensation claims can be challenged
The General Retail Industry Award (GRA) was introduced in 2010. It was a product of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) and it was intended to be part of the modernisation of our award system. The Federal Government made it possible for us to have a national award system by using the corporations power in the Constitution. This meant that Australian businesses could operate with one award for each industry and this would provide uniformity throughout the country. Western Australia decided that for businesses that operated as sole traders, partnerships and some trusts they would retain the state award system. All businesses that operated as corporations went into the new federal system. All other states regardless of business status agreed that federal awards would apply. The change meant that the number of awards that applied throughout Australia was reduced to 122.
reduction of Sunday penalties, increases to allowances, changes to annual leave provisions, proposals to increase late night and Saturday penalties, changes to district allowances and inclusion of domestic violence leave. The FWC is still considering a process for making the making the award easier to understand by re-writing it in ‘plain English.’
The Fair Work Act that had come into existence in 2009 and provided that, awards would be reviewed after the first two years of the new system and thereafter there would be four yearly reviews. The GRA has therefore been undergoing changes for the last eight years and the reviews are still going on. This has meant we started off with a new national GRA and it has been part of the on-going review process.
The GRA and other awards appear to b e in a constant state of change, which may continue.
However, there are some occasions when the employer may be concerned that the alleged injury did not occur in the employment or that the in certain circumstances the employer is not responsible for the alleged injury. In cases such as these the employer is justified in challenging the claim for workers compensation and should advise their insurer immediately if this is case.
The new award system was introduced nearly nine years ago but the GRA continues to be the subject of review under the first four yearly review of modern awards. When that review is finished the FWC will be likely to commence its second four yearly review, so there is a strong possibility that will be further changes to the GRA in the future.
The MGA legal and HR team has assisted many employers to challenge claims for workers compensation where the employer believes that the employee’s claim is not valid for workers compensation, even though the employee may claim otherwise. Members are urged to contact MGA they wish to challenge a worker’s compensation claim.
The reviews of the GRA have included changes to wages annually, the
Some of the changes, to name a few may be beneficial subject to whether you are an employer of an employee. The contents of the award represent the basic legal obligations of an employer and apart from payments to employees they also determine exactly the parameters for when and where work can be performed. To be fair there is some provision for flexibility in the GRA but that flexibility can only be implemented if the employee is going to be better off in any changed circumstances.
It is vital that an employer has all the policies and procedures in place to ensure a safe workplace. Employers accept that there is always risk when employing staff and that steps must be taken in the workplace to minimize the risk to ensure safety measures are in place. Generally, retailers are vigilant in implementing safety measures in the workplace but accidents can still happen which will give rise to an employee making a legitimate claim for workers compensation.
www.mga.asn.au
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September 2018 – Edition 6
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LEGAL AND HR NATIONAL
Can an employer reduce working hours? An employer may sometimes experience difficulties maintaining staff hours if there is a down turn in business. However, problems can arise if an employer simply decides to reduce a permanent employee’s hours without carefully considering the repercussions.
The Retailers Accountants
If you have fulltime, part time and casual employees and you wish to reduce your workforce for any reason you should look firstly to see if the hours of work for casuals can be reduced before reducing the hours for permanent staff. Only after you have considered this option should you address the issue with reduction of hours for permanent staff. All full time and part time staff should have their rosters that set out their hours of work in advance. If an employer finds it essential to reduce hours of work then you should consult with employees to see if you can reach an agreement on a change of hours or even a change of status. However, if an employer reduces an employee’s working hours without an employee’s agreement then such action will constitute a dismissal. If an employer and employee cannot agree on reduced hours of work and an employer can no longer afford to maintain the hours then it may be necessary to consider making some staff redundant. This would be a last resort but it is important for an employer not to simply reduce an employee’s hours without proper consultation and agreement by all parties. If you have any concerns regarding any reduction to hours of work, please call MGA’s legal and HR team on 1800 888 479.
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LIQUOR NEWS
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NORTHERN TERRITORY
LIQUOR NEWS Northern Territory brings in $1.30 per standard drink floor price on alcohol Alcohol will cost at least $1.30 per standard drink in the NT from October this year.
analyse consumer purchasing trends to measure the success or otherwise of Minimum Floor Pricing strategy.
The NT Parliament recently passed laws, which will see alcohol sold for at least $1.30 per standard drink from October 1 this year. The Northern Territory has become the first Australian jurisdiction to put a floor price on alcohol. In her press release the AttorneyGeneral Natasha Fyles said the law was designed to tackle alcohol-related violence, crime and antisocial behaviour.
MGA is continuing dialogue with the NT Government and the Alcohol Review Implementation Team (ARIT) to further lessen the impact to independent retailers on this and other Riley Reform Recommendations. If you have any queries, please call the MGA National Support Centre on free call 1800 888 479.
The introduction of the Minimum Floor Price was one of the key recommendations made from a wide-ranging alcohol review released by former NT Supreme Court justice Trevor Riley. Under the NT’s new laws, the floor price is a minimum amount for which alcohol can be sold – and calculated by multiplying the 8 standard drinks in a 750ml bottle of wine with the minimum floor price of $1.30 making the minimum sell price $10.40. The law will impact the price of cheap wine the most, while spirits and beer will mostly be unaffected as they are already selling above the minimum floor price. Whilst MGA and its members support any government initiative which reduces and prevents alcohol-related harm, MGA does not support or believe that a floor price is the answer to the problem drinkers who represent the minority of alcohol consumers. These problem drinkers will be forced into spending more money to purchase the same alcohol which in turn causes their families to be further deprived of everyday necessities. All this whilst further punishing consumers who enjoy a drink responsibly and in moderation.
T H E B E S T O F TA S M A N I A I S C R E AT E D B E T W E E N D E V I L ’ S C O R N E R & THE DEEP BLUE SEA
In an era where most governments and legislators are cutting red tape to reduce cost burdens to business, the NT Government is introducing more red tape and costs to business by forcing businesses to spend thousands of dollars on expensive computer upgrades to facilitate government reporting requirements by the liquor industry every six months on retail and wholesale sales data enabling government to monitor and
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WYNNS 2018 COLLECTION –
L I MI T E D R E L E A S E
TAKE YOURS HOME TODAY
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23
LIQUOR NEWS VICTORIA
ALM appoints new Victorian General Manager Welcome to the new General Manager for ALM Southern States, Jeremy Goodale.
US based cycling business, Cannondale Sports Unlimited.
Jeremy is no stranger to the liquor industry beginning his career with Tooheys in 1993 in Melbourne before working in Sydney as part of the Lion Nathan team.
In 2013 Jeremy returned to the liquor industry as the Sales Director for Bacardi Lion.
After nearly a decade with Lion Jeremy moved to WA with Diageo returning to Melbourne in 2003 as the Victorian/ Tasmanian State Manager.
Over the past 4 years he oversaw the commercial team leave the Lion JV and begin what is now the Australian subsidiary of the global family owned business, Bacardi Martini.
Jeremy then broadened his experience by leaving the liquor industry to begin work as the Head of Sales for the Pacific Brands Sport group, a small stint in the hardware industry with GWA and then in 2011 becoming the Country Manager for the
Jeremy brings to the role experience with a broad range of SME and independent retailers from a variety of industries plus a genuine passion and history within the liquor industry in particular in Victoria.
Jeremy Goodale ALM GM Victorian MGA Liquor Committee congratulates Jeremy on his appointment and looks forward to working with him to ‘Make Life Easier’ for all independent liquor retailers.
www.mga.asn.au
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LIQUOR NEWS
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LIQUOR NEWS NATIONAL
MGA welcomes new corporate partner Edgemill Group Edgemill Group is a family owned business dedicated to the success of the independent liquor retailer. The founder of the business, Alex Stavrakoulis, started as an independent liquor retailer and has built Edgemill Group into an international, multi-award winning wine and spirits business. The success of Edgemill has been a direct result of the strong and resilient partnerships formed over the past 15 years with Liquor Stax; IBA and associated banners; Ritchies; and all of the IGA multisite operators throughout Australia, plus many other independent liquor retailers that have embraced Edgemill and its brands. FY2018 has seen tremendous growth for Edgemill ahead of the market growing at circa 23%. This growth has been driven
by Edgemill’s spirits brands, which deliver exceptional quality and present well on the shelf at an affordable price. This has been reinforced by the numerous awards the brands have received, including Arktika Vodka, which was recently named Vodka of the Year at the China Wine and Spirits Awards. Furthermore, the re-launch of the Rare Penny wine range and the continued success of the regionally specific Matilda’s Ghost range prove Edgemill is on the right track and well equipped to support independent liquor retailers both now and well into the future. 2017 also saw Edgemill invest heavily in new machinery to enhance its state of the art bottling line, as well as an increase in its sales team to cope with the growing demand to service the independent trade.
Edgemill is about to embark on a new chapter in support of the ‘indies’ through some innovative new product launches that will most definitely set all the great independent retailers apart from their competition. Edgemill are extremely excited by the prospect to offer these products exclusively to independent retailers with BeGin Sloeberry & Bitters first to launch in July 2018.
For more information, please contact Edgemill Group on 03 9982 8700 or visit www.edgemill.com.
MGA Liquor Committee meeting On Wednesday 15 August the MGA Liquor Committee was hosted by CUB at their Abbotsford Brewhouse facility. Here we welcomed for the first time at a committee meeting, our NSW state representative Adrian Ricci (GM Liquor Ritchies). There was a full agenda covering many national and state issues which included illicit tobacco, the National Energy Guarantee (NEG), container deposit schemes, the ACT Drug Action Strategy Plan 2018-2021, the Victorian Liquor Licence Review Report, the NT Riley Report and Objecting to the 1800sq meter Dan Murphy development at the NT Airport, the WA Liquor Control Act 1988 Amendements and the application objection by ALH to convert the Como Hotel into a Dan Murphy store. James Kelly, CUB National Accounts Manager, delivered an informative presentation on CUB’s brands and beer category growth sectors pointing to a bright future for the category. The presentation can be viewed by members in the MGA website at: www.mga.asn.au/presentations.
L-R Jos de Bruin, Tony Bongiovanni, Tony Leon, Jeff Harper, Jodie Louise Gration, Tony Ingpen, Michael Reddrop, Angelo Giannetta, Nick Cook, Tim Powell (CUB), George Kovits, James Kelly (CUB) ALM GM Victorian The MGA Liquor Committee gives special thanks to CUB for hosting the meeting, Tim Powell, National Trade Relationship Manager, for all his hard work and support in arranging the venue and to James Kelly for his insightful presentation.
www.mga.asn.au
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LIQUOR NEWS
The new Mitchelton is proudly independent focused Introducing the new era of Mitchelton – an iconic wine, food and hospitality destination within the heart of Central Victoria. The rich history of Mitchelton began with first vine plantings back in 1969 on their Nagambie Estate. They have been proudly recognised over the years as creating reputable, award winning wines of regional and varietal expression, intensity of flavour and distinct personality. Today, Mitchelton comprises an operating winery, a luxurious boutique Hotel and Day Spa, The Muse Restaurant, an awardwinning Cellar Door, chocolate café, Australia’s largest commercial Gallery of Aboriginal Art, Australia’s largest underground operating cellar, function spaces and the famous Ashton Tower which stands proudly at 55 metres overlooking the verdant banks of the mighty Goulburn River and their estate vineyards.
As Mitchelton embarks on an exciting new tourism journey, they remain committed to Victorian winemaking, diversity of their estate grown and regional wines and building meaningful partnerships with Independent customers who remain at the core of their wine business. Mitchelton – proudly family owned and 100% independent.
470 Mitchellstown Road, Nagambie, VIC Phone (03) 5736 2222 mitchelton.com.au
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TRAINING NATIONAL
MGA INDUSTRY TRAINING Allergy awareness – are your staff trained? What is a food allergy? Food allergy is an immune system response to a food protein that the body mistakenly believes is harmful. An adverse reaction to a food protein can be potentially life threatening. A food allergy is not the same as food intolerance. A food intolerance is the inability to properly digest or fully process certain foods. This may cause discomfort but is not life threatening. The most common intolerance includes lactose, gluten, yeast and sulphite. Food labelling rules in Australia state that the ten most common allergens (peanut, tree nuts, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, wheat, sesame, soy and lupins) must be declared on packaging. Some food such as foods sold fresh in delicatessens must either have the ingredients displayed or have the ingredients available in case a customer asks about allergen content.
FREE tobacco training MGA Industry Training has a free tobacco training module available specific to all states and territories in Australia! Visit www.mga.asn.au/member-training/member-courses to enable the free course to be allocated. You will need your member login to access this – if you need assistance please call our training team on 1800 888 479. Also available is the FREE Basic Customer Service module. Visit www.mga to see a range of our courses availble!
Allergen awareness is the responsibility of everyone who works in the food service industry. The law in Australia requires food businesses to provide accurate information when a customer asks about potential allergens in the food they are served or sold. All staff need to be aware of these risks. Train your staff in allergen awareness – MGA has designed a course to assist owners and staff in any food business to gain knowledge about food allergens, and to develop best practice procedures for making their food business safe for customers with allergies. To access the member price of $25 please visit: mgaonline.com.au/product/allergen-awareness-member/ Alternatively, MGA have set up a bundle deal for the special price of $45! Accredited Basic Food Handling + Allergen Awareness
BUNDLE
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Contact your De Bortoli Representative for more details or visit debortoli.com.au
www.mgaonline.com.au/product/bundle1/
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TRAINING
NATIONAL ONLINE COURSES MGA delivers training and compliance solutions specific to the needs of independent retailers. We have a range of training and compliance solutions readily available for members. *Log in to our website with your member login to order your courses at these member prices. Call us on 1800 888 479 if you need your log in details.
Manage Training System (MTS) Manage Training System (MTS) is an easy to use training program – set up training per department, allocate courses to staff, monitor results and have complete training records for all staff. Either use included HR policies or upload your own including staff rosters!
Managing Your Employees It is important to understand the laws associated with managing employee issues. Learn how to deal with difficult employees and resolve workplace problems. Knowing the correct procedure to follow if termination of employment is required is vital so as to avoid costly court hearings. This seminar will provide you with the necessary information to establish a safe and productive workplace.
BRISBANE Date: 18 October, 2018 Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm Members price: $165
September 2018 – Edition 6
TRAINING
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Online & face to face training MGA Industry Training offers discounted training for all members. Courses are online or can be conducted face to face at your business for 10 or more employees! Responsible Service of Alcohol, Food Safety, Employment Law, Customer Service, plus more!!!
Tobacco training This course covers information on the legal obligations for the sale and service of tobacco, non-tobacco smoking products, smoking accessories, e-cigarettes and e-cigarette accessories in each respective state/ territory. Training ensures your staff comply with Tobacco Retailing Laws – protecting your business.
STATE BASED TRAINING Duration: 30 minutes Member price: FREE
Don’t forget to log in for your member discounts! Visit www.mga.asn.au to see our range of training courses!
www.mga.asn.au
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