MGA Independent Retailer Magazine - August 2022 - Issue 4

Issue

04 AUGUST 2022

The Prestigious Sam Richardson Perpetual Award, Tasmania. | PAGE 32 YOUR INDUSTRY NEWS PROVIDED BY MGA INDEPENDENT RETAILERS

Serving Suggestion

*As part of a varied and healthy diet, LGG® and BB-12 ® probiotics in Vaalia yoghurt at a daily intake of at least 1 billion CFU each can strengthen the immune system and improve bowel function in the general adult population; also with dietary fibre for regularity.

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Contents OUR MISSION

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CEO Welcome

The trusted leading voice of industry that is responsive to member needs in a competitive environment. We employ people of exceptional expertise and determination to deliver valuable service and solutions for our members.

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Adverse action, workplace rights and protected attributes

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Award consultation requirements

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Requests for flexible work arrangements

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Debbie Smith (President): Queensland Grant Hinchcliffe (Vice President): Tasmania Graeme Gough: New South Wales Ripple Parekh: New South Wales Ross Anile: Western Australia Terry Slaughter: Queensland Chris dos Santos: South Australia Lincoln Wymer: Victoria Jeff Harper: Victoria

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

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP & MEDIA SALES

12 Classification levels and higher duties under the General Retail Industry Award 14

Department of Home Affairs, Supermarket Taskforce, Food Supply Working Group

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MGA TMA Welcomes the New Federal Government Ministry

15 Labour Shortages- 457 and TSS Visas 15 Metcash announce construction of new Victorian Distribution Centre 16

Small Business Strategy to chart the future course

17 NSW Small Business Commissioner Industry Leaders Group 17

COSBOA CEO visits MGA

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Get ready for changes to super guarantee - ATO

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IGA Xpress Mascot - The terrible saga continues

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MGA members on the Sunshine Coast

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MGA Board visits the Sunshine Coast

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Sunshine Coast local businesses meet with MGA

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Seasons Family IGA Supermarket at Noosa Junction Plaza

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Whites Family IGA Supermarket Baringa

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Whites Family IGA Supermarket Peregian

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Supa Valu Doonside - Romeos

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Important Member Announcement – Paracetamol Products

30 Tasmanian Independent Retailers (TIR) 2022 Conference and Retailer Awards Dinner

Mark Paladino 0417 264 331 E: mark.paladino@mga.asn.au

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DESIGN & PRODUCTION

36 Global Online Shopping insight

Cindi Damian 03 9842 4111 E: cindi@mga.asn.au

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

The Prestigious Sam Richardson Perpetual Award

34 Reddrop Group Conference 2022

MGA TMA Industry Breakfast

39 Construction and home building companies collapse 40

Timber Product Knowledge Training

42 Great result for Indies 44

Steves Liquor. The dynasty continues

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Seppelt unveils 2022 Luxury Collection

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The ACT Government Tranche 2 single-use plastic ban regulations

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Pernod Rickard achieves UN Global Sustainable Development Goals

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Vale Paul Lionetti

Front Cover: The Prestigious Sam Richardson Perpetual Award winners from Flinders Island, Tasmania. Read the Walker Family story on page 32.

MGA Corporate Partners DIAMOND

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

ASSOCIATE

WAREHOUSE AND BRAND PARTNERS

tasmanian independent retailers

CEO REPORT

CEO Welcome Welcome to the winter edition of your industry publication, the Independent Retailer.

This edition is full of news about our industry and matters as members face on a day-today basis.

Annual Wage review consult with Justice Iain Ross FWC 18 May 2022

There are updates as to what we have done for members on matters of concern at state and federal government and regulatory levels.

further lessening in supply, and demand remaining high, has caused large increases in fuel and food prices, adding to high inflation rates.

As a family and private food, grocery, liquor, timber, and hardware business sector we are moving into very mirky economic and social waters.

Inflation has escalated to 7% plus from the normal levels of 2% that has been experienced over the past years. The Reserve Bank of Australia has increased the cash rate twice now with further interest rate increases yet to come to quell the risk of inflation growing too high, putting further cost and affordability pressures on businesses and homeowners around Australia.

The past 2 years of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a world of uncertainty. Consumer and worker behaviours have changed for ever.

Online shopping popularity has escalated, the GIG economy has now become the norm and with economic stimulus packages being implemented around the world, demand for food and consumer goods has never been more robust. This has caused many supply issues and cost increases owing to the shortage of labour (Covid absenteeism), pallet and container shortages and Diesel/AdBlue shortages.

We have seen an escalation in the war between the Ukraine and Russia causing massive shortages worldwide of energy resources (gas) and agricultural products (timber & grains) as the world cuts Russia off economically from trading. This

From 1 July members will be required to pass on to staff the FWC decision to increase Award based wages (the GRIA) by 4.6% and minimum wages recipients by 5.2%. Our industry sector has seen the cost of labour rise by 19% in the past five years.

Further, there will an increase in the Superannuation Guarantee by 0.5% from 10% to 10.5% from 1 July.

Of all the challenges that are facing our members, two that dominate are labour shortages and increased cost of doing business.

Without appropriate levels of employment, members cannot stock shelves and serve customers and cannot hold shelf prices down much longer.

Small business margins cannot absorb any further unsustainable costs to do business, so members must increase shelf prices, risking being uncompetitive with the chains.

In May, the Labour party took over the reins of government, with many seats going to Independents (Teal) and the Greens. Australia now has the most diverse Parliament in its history including an increase in women’s representation presenting different opportunities and exciting times ahead.

Despite all the challenges that are set before us we are still very fortunate to be living in the “Lucky Country.”

Until next edition.

Good selling and take care.

Jos de Bruin Chief Executive Officer

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LEGAL AND IR

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Adverse action, workplace rights and protected attributes Members need to be aware of the protected workplace rights workers are entitled to in their employment.

Protected workplace rights Understanding protected workplace rights and how they exist is important when conducting your business.

These rights are outlined in the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act) and in antidiscrimination legislation.

Every Australian employee has the right to:

• engage in industrial activities • be free from unlawful discrimination • be free from undue influence or pressure in negotiating individual arrangements.

In the workplace, such protected rights are exempt from unlawful acts such as adverse action, misrepresentations, undue influence or pressure in relation to individual flexibility arrangements under modern awards and enterprise agreements, guarantees of annual earnings and deductions from wages.

Protected attributes, adverse action and prohibited member conduct An employee may possess particular protected attributes. These are personal characteristics for which an employee has the right to non-discrimination.

Protected attributes include race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family or carer’s responsibilities, pregnancy, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin.

The Act prevents members from taking adverse action against employees or prospective employees based on these characteristics.

Adverse action includes the doing, threatening or organising of any of mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

these actions based on protected characteristics:

• dismissal; • injuring the employee in the form of refusing to give leave or pay;

• changing a job to disadvantage an employee;

• treating an employee differently

than any other employee based on a protected characteristic;

• not hiring someone because of a protected characteristic; and

• offering prospective employees

different and unfair terms and conditions compared to other employees that do not possess the same protected characteristic(s).

Examples of prohibited adverse action based on protected characteristics include:

• deciding not to offer a role to an older employee purely based upon their age whilst offering roles to younger employees who may be entitled to junior rates of pay, or

• preventing a pregnant person from

working because of concerns about appearances.

Steps employees can take to address breaches of general protections and/or discrimination provisions An employee who believes they have been subjected to a breach of general protection, can take steps to address such claims.

An employee may request assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) to resolve a dispute or may apply to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to address

an alleged breach. Penalties in excess of $13,000 can be brought for individuals, whilst penalties of $66,000 or more for companies can be issued if a general protection has been breached.

The main types of applications made by an employee who believes they have been subjected to a breach of general protection are:

• Disputes:

If an employee has not been dismissed but alleges that there has been some other contravention of the general protections provisions, they may make an application to the FWC to assess and deal with the dispute; or

• Dismissals:

If an employee believes they have been dismissed and alleges that their dismissal was in contravention of the general protections provisions, they may make an application to the FWC to deal with the dismissal in the first instance. A general protections dismissal application must be lodged within 21 days of the dismissal taking effect.

Discrimination complaints at the Australian Human Rights Commission Employees can file a discrimination complaint through the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). The AHRC is an independent body focused on investigating complaints about discrimination breaches.

The AHRC does not act as an advocate or legal representative for a party to a complaint. Employees may file a written complaint about a perceived experience of discrimination online and the AHRC will investigate the circumstances

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surrounding the complaint. The AHRC will provide members with a copy of the complaint and outline what is being alleged, requesting additional information as required.

Tips to reduce general protection risks in the workplace The following practical steps can assist members to reduce legal risk:

• Utilise a fair and unbiased employment process;

discrimination;

• Train supervisors and managers

on how what types of conduct are discriminatory and how to respond to discrimination in the workplace; and

• Ensure any workplace policies are properly enforced and regularly reviewed and updated.

For more information contact the Employment Law team on

1800 888 479 with respect to adverse action and workplace rights, and if a general protections claim has been made by an employee.

er um ion ns ot Co rom P

If the AHRC elects to continue the investigation, they may enter into conciliation with members and the employee to determine how best to resolve the complaint. This may take the form of an apology, a change of policy, or compensation. If the complaint is not discontinued following this, the AHRC will analyse or investigate the circumstances and execute relevant proceedings, which may include legal proceedings.

• Develop workplace culture that resists

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• Emphasise open dialogue between employees and managerial staff;

• Treat all employees fairly and in the same manner;

• Implement an equal opportunity and anti-discrimination policy;

• Encourage workers to respect each other’s differences;

• Respond to any evidence or

complaints of inappropriate behaviour rather than ignoring it, including engaging in appropriate investigations and disciplinary action;

• Deal with any complaints or

allegations of discrimination promptly and confidentially;

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LEGAL AND IR

NATIONAL

Award consultation requirements When making significant changes that affect an employee’s employment, members should always consult with employees according to the clauses outlined in their applicable award or enterprise/ collective agreement.

What is consultation in the workplace?

Consultation is integral to any workplace and can present a legal requirement for members.

Consultation effectively means asking for, and considering an employees’ views, when making decisions.

It is important to engage in consultation during any major workplace change and any change that will affect employees in a significant manner. For example, a change in working hours, duties, locations or redundancies can carry consultation requirements under the applicable award or industrial instrument. Employers who consult with their employees generally tend to experience far better outcomes within their business.

The Award Awards, such as the General Retail Industry Award (the GRIA) and Timber Industry Award, contain standard consultation clauses that require employers to consult with employees and their representatives if they intend to:

• change an employee’s regular roster or ordinary hours of work, or

• make significant changes at the workplace.

Major workplace change If an employer decides to make major changes in the production, program, organisation, structure or technology

mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

that is likely to have a significant effect on employees, members must:

• give notice of the changes to all

employees that may be affected

• discuss with such employees the

introduction of the changes, their likely effect on employees and measures to avoid or reduce the adverse effects of such changes.

These discussions should take place as soon as practicable after the decision has been made.

When discussing changes with employees, put in writing the nature of the changes, their expected effect and any other matters likely to affect the employees.

What constitutes “significant effects” from changes • Termination of employment • Major changes in the composition,

operation, or size of the workforce or in the skills required

• Loss of or reduction in job or promotion opportunities

• Loss of or reduction in job tenure • Alteration of hours of work • Need for employees to be retrained

or transferred to other work locations

• Job restructuring.

Changes to rosters or hours of work If an employer proposes to change the regular roster hours an employee works,

consultation must occur. However, if the employee works irregular and sporadic hours then generally no consultation is necessary.

How to consult?

Step 1: Provide written notice of change Proposed changes in the workplace:

• Members should consult affected

employees with information about the proposed changes, detailing the changes and when they will occur.

This should be in writing, via email or letter.

• Members should invite employees’

views about the potential impact of the proposed changed for them, for example an impact on their ability to care for family members or fulfill study commitments. This should be explained in the letter and an employee should be invited to attend a consultation meeting (along with a designated support person if present) to share their opinion on the impact of the change.

It is advisable to provide reasonable notice of the consultation meeting (24 to 48 hours) and ensure the meeting is conducted during reasonable hours, such as during an existing shift.

This method of consultation will demonstrate to the employee that you wish to engage in open and transparent dialogue. This will help nurture a respectful relationship with the affected employee and ensure an adequate outcome.

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Step 2: Consult with employees about changes Attend a meeting with the employee where the member:

• provides the employee with

information about the proposed changes to their roster, including the reasons for change

• invites the employee and their

representative (if any) to give their views about the impact of the changes to their roster (including any impact on their family or caring responsibilities); and

• considers the views about the impact of the change.

Step 3: Confirm changes to the regular roster Changes to a part-time employee’s guaranteed hours of work can only take place with the employee’s mutual agreement.

If the employee’s status of employment is to be changed (e.g. from full-time or casual to part-time, from part-time to casual or full-time), prior express written consent is required.

Once the employee and employer agree to the changes to their status of employment and/or regular hours of work, parties should enter into an agreement (such as written variation or new contract of employment) to confirm the changes to the employee’s employment status, guaranteed hours or their regular roster.

Step 4: Notice requirements even if mutually agreed to changes Regardless of members having agreed with their employees on a change in the workplace or the roster, the GRIA requires the employer to provide a period of notice to employees of the new changes. This provides a record

of the open dialogue shared with the employees should they change their mind or wish to alter the terms of the change. Before members decide, it is important to consider the impact on employees. The amount of notice depends on whether the employee is employed full-time, part-time or casually.

Full-time or casual employee: The employer may make permanent roster changes at any time by giving the employee at least 7 days written notice of the change. If the employee disagrees with the change, the period of written notice of the change required to be given is extended to at least 14 days in total. The extra notice is to allow for discussions between the employer and employee to resolve the disagreement.

The employer may make a change to a part-time employee’s roster by giving the employee 7 days, or in an emergency 48 hours, written notice of the change.

It is unlawful for an employer to change an employee’s roster with the intention of avoiding paying the employee certain entitlements.

If an employee disagrees with a roster change, members are encouraged to negotiate in good faith to genuinely reach an agreement with the employee about the roster change. If a resolution is unable to be reached and appropriate steps to resolve the matter have been taken, the employee or member has the right to refer the dispute to the Fair Work Commission.

Consultation in action Consider a scenario where consultation would be necessary.

An employer needs to alter the staff weekly roster to accommodate a change in staff availability that will affect the employment of a casual staff employee who has been employed for 3 years. The casual staff employee regularly and systemically works Mondays, Fridays and Sundays, but the employer needs to change the Friday shift to Wednesday to fill in a required position on the floor for that day.

Firstly, the employer should approach the employee and advise them of the nature of the change and when it will commence. The employer should advise the employee when a team member leaves to move overseas at the end of the month, the employer hopes they can replace the absent shift on a Wednesday night and cease working on the Friday.

The employer should invite the employee to outline how such a change would affect them and their commitments. This correspondence can be in writing. The employer should consider the employee’s views before deciding to roster the employee accordingly. Approaching the employee and inviting their opinion the employer can create an open environment and adequately adhere to the consultation clauses outlined in the Award. The employer should confirm the changes to the regular roster and issue the employee with a notice of the change.

For more information contact the Employment Law team on

1800 888 479

regarding changes to hours of work or rosters, or other significant workplace changes.

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Requests for flexible work arrangements Employers need to understand their obligations and how to respond when an employee requests a flexible work arrangement.

When are employees entitled to make a request for a flexible working arrangement?

• An employee will be eligible to

request a change in their working arrangements if they require a certain degree of flexibility due to any of the following factors:

• they are the parent or have primary responsibility for the care of a child who is school age or younger;

• they are a carer (within the meaning of the Carer Recognition Act 2010);

• they have a disability; • they are age 55 years or older; or • they are dealing with violence from a family member, or they need to provide care or support to a member of their immediate family or household, because they are experiencing violence from their family.

All these circumstances are permissible reasons for an employee to request a flexible working arrangement.

However, employees are not entitled to make such requests unless they have completed at least 12 months of continuous service with the member.

In the case of an employee with less than 12 months continuous service, the employer is not required to grant a request for a flexible working arrangement, but members should nevertheless be mindful of any discrimination or adverse action risk in failing to grant such requests. mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

Examples of types of requests for flexible working arrangements Requests for flexible working arrangements can take on a variety of forms. Examples include:whether the conversion is to full or part-time;

• a change in hours of work which may include

Employers must give employees a written response within 21 days of receiving the request, which states whether they grant or refuse the request. Members are only capable of refusing the request on reasonable business grounds, and if they refuse, the written response must include the reasons for refusal.

Reasonable business grounds for refusing a request may include:

• a reduction in total hours worked, or

• arrangements would be too costly;

• changes to start and finish times of

• no capacity to change work

shifts.

There may be a change in work patterns, including the working of split-shifts or introducing job sharing arrangements to help lighten an employee’s workload, or changes in location of work, which may include working from home or working in another location.

For a request to be valid it must be made in writing and set out the exact details of the change sought and outline the reasons why such a change is being pursued.

Employer obligations if employees make a request for a flexible working arrangement An employer who is approached with a request for a flexible working arrangement must address the request according to requirements outlined in the National Employment Standards.

arrangements of other employees to accommodate the new working arrangements;

• impractical to change the working

arrangements of other employees or recruit new employees to accommodate the new arrangements; or

• result in significant loss of efficiency or productivity and may negatively impact customer service.

If an employee is not eligible to make a request for a flexible working arrangement, or their request is not made in a valid manner, it is often productive nevertheless to reach a collaborative solution with your employee that balances the business’s operational requirements with employee satisfaction. Transparent dialogue between members and employees can assist the parties to reach an agreement that is satisfactory for both parties.

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Case scenario: A full-time worker returning from parental leave requests parttime hours Nick is a full-time worker who has been employed at your supermarket for 5 years. He has just returned from parental leave and has requested in writing via an email that his full-time hours be halved.

Nick outlines that he wishes to spend more time with his young daughter and assist his wife as their daughter grows up. The employer faces difficulty in finding an adequate way to ensure there are adequate staff to perform Nick’s remaining hours of work. The employer is concerned this may affect the business as Nick is a reliable worker who casual and part-time staff defer to for decisions.

Despite this, the employer considers Nick’s request but is unable to agree as halving his hours would challenge the operation of the business in the short to medium term. Instead of completely disregarding his request, Nick’s employer discusses the situation with him. Nick further elaborates on his reasoning for reducing his hours and they agree to an arrangement. Nick will become a part-time worker but will reduce his hours from 38 hours per week to 30.

This will allow him to meet his familial responsibilities without significant detriment to the business.

Nick’s employer provides him with a written response, outlining the details of the reasons for the refusal of the initial request along with a statement of revised agreed arrangements. This collaborative approach is appreciated by both Nick and his employer and helps keep all parties agreeable.

For further information contact the Employment Law team at 1800 888 479 regarding requests for flexible working arrangements.

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Classification levels and higher duties under the General Retail Industry Award It is important to understand the different classification levels under the General Retail Industry Award (the GRIA) so as to best apply them to employees. This will ensure wages and entitlements are paid correctly. It is important to be aware of how the completion of higher duties are treated under the GRIA to avoid underpayment risks.

Under the GRIA, employees are classified in several different categories that outline their responsibilities and experience. There are 8 categories outlined in the Award as follows:

LEVEL 1

• Someone new to working in retail with limited relevant experience who performs basic duties within your business

• E.g. Store assistant • Someone working at a higher level of skill than level 1, but not yet performing the duties of a LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

level 3 employee.

• E.g. Experienced store assistant • Employees at this level might be required to perform tasks such as supervising others, being responsible for security of cash and/or opening or closing a store.

• E.g. A shift supervisor or shift manager

LEVEL 4

• Employees at this level might be required to: » Manage a defined section or department of the store » Be responsible for stock control » Be responsible for buying or ordering of stock » Supervise up to 4 staff, including themselves Employees at this level may be trade qualified.

• • E.g. An employee who manages the dairy department and orders the stock for the dairy section on a weekly basis; a butcher

LEVEL 5

• Someone working at a higher level of skill than level 4, but not yet performing the duties of a level 6 employee.

• E.g. Tradesperson in charge of other staff within a section or department

LEVEL 6

mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

• Employees at this level might be required to: » Supervise 5 or more employees, including themselves » Manage a shop without departments or sections » Provide assistance to a shop manager in a shop with departments or sections • E.g. A section or department manager in charge of 5 or more employees

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• Someone working at a higher level of skill than level 6, but not yet performing the duties of a LEVEL 7

LEVEL 8

level 8 employee.

• E.g. A visual merchandiser who holds a diploma • Employees at this level might be required to: » Hold a diploma qualification » Manage a shop with departments or sections • E.g. A Shop manager who oversees all staff and monitors the quality of work of staff members

Underpayments – why is it important to classify employees correctly?

It is essential employees are classified correctly by their employer to ensure adequate compensation for their role in the business. This will prevent disagreements with employees, ensure transparent dialogue exists and ensure payments are made accurately.

Employees should be classified at the highest possible classification level applicable to their duties, or alternatively the ‘higher duties’ provisions of the GRIA should be used to ensure time worked at a higher classification is adequately paid for. If underpayment does occur members may be liable and vulnerable to underpayment claims from staff.

Determining classification levels Sometimes it may be difficult to accurately classify employees who alternate between tasks or roles. It is helpful to refer to indicative job titles and characteristics outlined in the award. The award provides examples and tasks designated to each level and

can be of assistance when classifying staff. It is important to look at the responsibilities of the employee and classify them at the highest possible level according to the tasks they complete on a regular basis.

The higher duties provision under the GRIA If an employee performs a duty above their classification, their classification level must be revised or they must be adequately compensated for the time spent performing at the higher classification level.

The higher duties provision can be used in the instance of an employee that is required to supervise all staff on a given night although they do not usually do so or have not done previously. In such a scenario, members can utilise the ‘higher duties’ provisions under the GRIA to address the situation. Under these provisions, members must pay an employee who performs for more than 2 hours on a particular day or shift duties of a classification higher than the employee’s ordinary classification, the minimum hourly rate specified for that higher classification for the entirety of that shift.

However, if the employee performs 2 or less hours on a particular day or shift duties of a classification higher than the employee’s ordinary classification, the member can pay the employee the minimum hourly rate specified for that higher classification for the hours worked at the higher classification level.

It is advisable to maintain time records of work performed at each classification level if utilising the higher duties provision of the GRIA. Members may elect to reclassify employees that continually or consistently perform work at a higher classification level.

For further information contact the Employment Law team at

1800 888 479 regarding award coverage or classification levels.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

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Department of Home Affairs, Supermarket Taskforce, Food Supply Working Group In early May 2022, MGA attended the government’s Food Supply and Food Security Supermarket Taskforce meeting. A group dedicated to the Food and Grocery Sector.

There are strict governance and privacy parameters to be satisfied before approved to become a member.

The Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN) is a network that operates on a secure communication platform run by the Department of Home Affairs, where members of the critical infrastructure community can engage with all levels of government and industry to build their resilience.

This is a vital forum for MGA to represent members from around Australia and to be able to present issues and matters affecting the day to day food supply, security and costs of food and groceries to our members.

Through the TISN, Supermarket Taskforce Food Supply Working Group members will be able to connect with a wider breadth of TISN members in sectors such as transport, electricity and health without going through a government secretariat.

The group, formed during the pandemic, addressed any matter affecting the supply and costs of food and groceries.

MGA advocated for all members, whether they be in the cities, regional, remote or ultra-remote areas around Australia.

Food supply disruption was caused by many factors including labour shortages, Flood events, border closures, diesel fuel and AdBlue additive shortages, pallet and container scarcity as well as a shortage of freight providers. mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

MGA TMA welcomes the new Federal Government Ministry MGA TMA congratulates the new members of the Albanese Federal Government Ministry and welcomes the strong representation of women – the largest number to ever serve in an Australian Cabinet, including the first Indigenous woman to hold a federal ministry.

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor Minister for the Environment - Tanya Plibersek Minister for Industry and Science Minister - Ed Husic

MGA TMA looks forward to working closely with various new Ministers who will all play a very important role enabling Australia to overcome the serious social and economic challenges we face now and into the future, owing to such factors as the 2-year COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian and Russian war.

The new Government faces a challenging time ahead, with labour and skills shortages, rising inflation and supply chain issues continuing to impact businesses, however, MGA TMA looks forward to engaging with ministers toward developing policies that address difficult matters together.

Consistent with small businesses being the ‘engine room’ of the economy, MGA TMA looks forward to engaging and developing sound small business growth policies with the Small Business Minister from Tasmania, Julie Collins.

Congratulations Lincoln Wymer on 30 years in the supermarket industry

Federal Ministers MGA TMA will engage with: Treasurer - Dr Jim Chalmers Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations - Tony Burke Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change/Action – Chris Bowen Finance Minister - Katy Gallagher

Lincoln (centre above) early in his career and (right) today COO @ The Reddrop Group.

INDUSTRY NEWS

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NATIONAL

Labour Shortages 457 and TSS Visas

Over the past two years MGA has been working with the Office of the former Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke, in regard to making it easier for members to secure current staff who are respondent to various visa conditions as well as engaging potential employees by allowing students to work longer than the 20 hours a week they are allowed to work.

Early in May, MGA was advised of the most recent changes Government has made to the legacy Visa 457 cohort which are due to come into effect mid this year.

From 1 July 2022, existing Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa holders in the short-term stream will be able to apply for permanent residence through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa – in line with the former Minister’s 25 November 2022 announcement.

To be eligible to apply as a short-term stream TSS visa holder, applicants must have been in Australia between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 for at least one year.

Applicants must meet all other nomination and visa requirements for the TRT stream of the ENS visa. The pathway will be accessible for two years from its commencement on 1 July 2022.

These arrangements also apply to subclass 457 visa holders with an occupation on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

This complements the pathway to permanent residency for TSS visa holders in the short-term stream, by allowing eligible subclass 457 visa

holders to apply for the TRT stream of the ENS, without first applying for a TSS visa.

Transitional arrangements for subclass 457 visa holders, seeking to access permanent residency through the TRT stream of the ENS were introduced with the announcement of the TSS visa.

The transitional arrangements were due to end on 18 March 2022, but have been preserved and will continue to be accessible past 18 March 2022. The relevant Procedural Instruction for Regulation 5.19, relating to employer nominations, is currently undergoing review and will be updated with this information, for intended publication by 1 July 2022.

MGA is continuing to finalise arrangements for:

• subclass 457 visa holders who no

longer meet the age requirement, and

• former TSS visa holders who have

already held two short term TSS visas

Metcash announce construction of new Victorian Distribution Centre Metcash Group CEO Doug Jones has announced a new wholesale Distribution Centre (DC) will be constructed in Truganina, Victoria.

The new 115,000sqm DC will be built by the Goodman Group for $70 million and will replace Metcash’s existing DC at Laverton. The facility is expected to help improve delivery efficiencies and access to a wide range of products.

It will also be equipped to support automation and house stock for the brand’s food and liquor departments.

• for this cohort we’d encourage them

Jones said this long-term investment will help independent retailers in Victoria.

“Supporting our decision to proceed was the success of our new DC at Gepps Cross in South Australia, which has been operational since December 2020.”

MGA will keep members informed of any progress concerning visa arrangements under the new Albanese Government.

Construction is expected to commence in the first half of the next financial year and will likely end in mid-2024.

to consider an appropriate visa that allows them to maintain the lawful status and work in Australia, such as the Pandemic Event (Subclass 408) visa.

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Small Business Strategy to chart the future course MGA TMA has been invited by NSW Small Business Minister Eleni Petinos to participate in developing a Small Business Strategy to chart the course for future growth and prosperity.

Early in June, the NSW Government launched a public consultation on its new Small Business Strategy, which will chart the course for 800,000 strong small businesses across the State for the coming three years.

MGA TMA has 521 members in New South Wales employing more than 21,000 people and transacting over $3.5 Billion in sales.

he would be encouraging his members to contribute to the public consultation.

“Our small business members have always enjoyed a close working relationship with the NSW Government, and I encourage all of them to have their say on the public consultation for the next Small Business Strategy,” Mr de Bruin said.

“It’s a chance to provide direct feedback to policy makers on the sorts of priorities and reforms that will create the best economic landscape to support small business over the following three years.”

Small businesses seeking to have their say or looking for further information can do so at the following link: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw. gov.au/login.

NSW Small Business Minister Eleni Petinos advised feedback from industry would assist to develop a strategy that promotes a thriving, dynamic and innovative small business community for the period ahead.

“The public consultation will afford key industry stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback to the NSW Government on the sorts of priorities they would like to see addressed in the new Small Business Strategy,” Ms Petinos said.

“Over the past two years unprecedented levels of support have been provided to small businesses to withstand COVID, but now we need to look forward and develop policy settings for the future.

“The best resource to develop this strategy are small businesses themselves, which is why we are reaching out to get their first-hand views via this public consultation process.”

CEO of the Master Grocers Association, Jos de Bruin, said mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

L-R: Chris Lamont NSW Small Business commissioner, NSW Small Business Minister Eleni Petinos and Jos de Bruin CEO MGA TMA

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NSW Small Business Commissioner Industry Leaders Group After two years working closely and successfully with various industry small business association leaders, NSW Small Business Commissioner, Chris Lamont, has formed a dedicated Small Business Industry Association Leaders Group. MGA is a member of this influential group.

The purpose of the group is to develop strategies and policies toward growing the small business presence in NSW. To drive innovation and entrepreneurship so as to grow jobs and the NSW post pandemic economy.

There are eleven industry association leaders plus Tourism NSW in this group, chaired by Chris Lamont with key NSW Government representatives invited to attend including Minister for Small Business and Fair Trading, Hon Eleni Petinos, NSW Government Customers Service and various Treasury Officials.

There have been three productive and insightful meetings so far. The last meeting addressed the disastrous Northern NSW flood events and the effects on small businesses.

Katrina Carroll, Director Strategy, Service NSW for Business attended this meeting and provided insights in regard to Commercial Leasing Regulation, chronic labour shortages members are facing, as well as the much publicised ‘Great Resignation’.

VICTORIA

COSBOA CEO visits MGA Alexi Boyd CEO of Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA) met in early June with MGA to discuss a number of matters of concern affecting small businesses around Australia.

The purpose of Alexi’s visit to MGA was to conduct a COSBOA Board meeting and then to align with MGA on a number of Industrial Relations and Employment Law issues that we will pursue together.

MGA is a Board Director of the COSBOA Board and represents all the issues MGA members face on a day to basis in this forum.

L-R: Alexi Boyd CEO COSBOA meets Jos de Bruin CEO MGA TMA

AUSTRALIA’S #1 HARD SELTZER* *Source: IRI qtr to Jan 2022

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Get ready for changes to super guarantee - ATO From 1 July 2022, two important super guarantee (SG) changes will apply to your business.

These are: » the rate of SG is increasing from 10% to 10.5%

» the $450 per month eligibility threshold for when SG is paid is being removed.

What this means for you These changes mean that from 1 July 2022:

» you’ll need to make SG contributions at the new rate of 10.5%

» employees can be eligible for

SG, regardless of how much they earn. You may have to pay SG for the first time for some or all of your employees.

Members will be required to work with your digital service providers (DSPs) to make sure payroll software is updated in time. If you use a tax agent, they’ll also be aware of these changes and able to assist you.

What you need to do Check that your software is updated to correctly calculate your employees’ SG entitlement from 1 July 2022.

If the removal of the $450 threshold means you’ll be paying SG for one or more employees for the first time, you’ll need to give them a Standard Choice Form.

If your employee does not provide you with a choice of super fund, review the Stapled Super Fund information on our website for guidance on what you need to do next.

A stapled super fund is an existing super account linked to an individual employee.

Source ATO

our creamiest, premiumest

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IGA Xpress Mascot The terrible saga continues In May 2019, a corner high rise apartment block in Bourke Street Mascot, near Sydney Airport, was condemned as an unsafe building when cracks and expansion joints were compromised only a few years after it was built. All tenants, including IGA Xpress were asked to vacate the building.

All residents who lived in the 120 units above the store never returned. MGA became involved from day one to facilitate help, assistance and support from the NSW Government to deal with this matter expeditiously given that families livelihoods are at risk.

Three years later and under extreme duress, store owners Ward Mellick and Scott Hill together with their families, owners and operators of the IGA Xpress in Mascot, have traded through in half the floor space they had prior to the disaster.

IGA Xpress Mascot may have 6 to 12 months left to trade in this premises which has almost half of its trading space removed owing to expansion joint issues within the store.

MGA wishes Scott and Ward the best in navigating through this complex and unsavoury matter.

Scott Hill and Ward Mellic with MGA’s Jos de Bruin centre

Both families entire livelihoods are invested in this once thriving food and grocery store that was the hub of the Mascot community. For three years the store has been surrounded by ugly hoarding and more recently, Scott and Ward, have had to erect further steel reinforcing to guarantee safety for shoppers and passers-by.

Thanks to Chris Lamont, NSW Small Business Commissioner, there is hope of providing some support and critical advice regarding this complex and challenging issue when dealing with the developers and owners strata committee.

It is complex with all responsible ignoring obligations or wishing to seek ways of minimising their costs and exposures, rather than fairly compensating the Hill and Mellick families for their losses.

Scott Hill and Ward Mellic with MGA President Debbie Smith centre

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MGA members on the Sunshine Coast The MGA Board of Directors has long known of the quality and presence of the independent food and grocery stores along the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

Family groups such as Whites Family Supermarkets and Seasons Family Supermarkets have set the bar for quality food and grocery retailing and creating a wonderful shopping experience for consumers. This was evident in each of the five stores that MGA’s Board of Directors visited on Thursday 16 June.

The fresh and locally sourced products offer in all stores visited including meat, deli, bakery, fish, fruit, and vegetables and cheeses was truly impressive in each store.

It’s terrific to see retailers who know their customers and who have lifted their offer in their stores to the meet and exceed the expectations of eager consumers willing to discover locally sourced fresh foods and gourmet products.

MGA’s Board members congratulate the owners of all the stores visited as they were truly impressive.

The stores visited include Seasons Family Supermarket at Noosa junction Plaza, Whites Family Grocer in Peregian, Whites IGA Local Grocer at Mount Coolum, Hoppers Family Grocers in Wises Road Maroochydore, Hoppers Local Grocery store in Maud Street Maroochydore and Whites Family Supermarket in newly developed estate Baringa.

MGA Board visits the Sunshine Coast After two years of virtual meetings, MGA’s Board of Directors gathered on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland from 15 - 17 June for a series of stores visits, members engagements and the Board meeting.

MGA meets local network of small businesses The first day consisted of an inaugural meeting in the Sunshine Coat (SC) hinterland at local Gin Distillery, Sunshine and Sons, to discuss the opportunities for local boutique brewers, wine makers, distillers and cider makers to be able to market and promote their products in local independent food and grocery stores.

Attendance included: Michael Conrad from Sunshine and Sons Gin Distillers, Tony Thompson owner of Flame Hill Winery, Rowena Cann for the SC Food and Agri network (FAN), Steve and Kirra from the Beechtree Distillers, Jackie Ingram, Executive Director Strategic Policy from the Qld Small Business Director General’s Office and MGA Board members.

A robust discussion ensued with local business representatives, all agreeing the opportunities are endless for Queensland produced local wines, beers, spirits, and ciders to be stocked

by Queensland family and privately owned Food and Grocery stores.

Arising were a list of actions that MGA will pursue to assist, including approaching the Queensland Government and reengaging with various Ministers, taking a parallel approach – approaching Government and activating local licenses – cellar doors, focus on Tourism and Innovation channels, engaging a Queensland Liquor Licensing expert to identify the possibilities, focusing on ten Sunshine Coast food and grocery stores, and applying for a ‘current liquor license’ as per the ACT and seeking to set a precedent. MGA will monitor this project over a 18 month to 2 year period.

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MGA Board President, Debbie Smith addresses local artisan beer, wine and spirit suppliers, Jackie Ingram Executive Director for Strategic Business Policy QLD Small Business and the MGA board. embers.

Sunshine Coast local businesses meet with MGA On 15 June 2022, MGA Board members met with local Queensland artisan beer, wine, and spirits suppliers to discuss how their products could be stocked and sold by local Queensland food and grocery stores.

MGA’s Queensland members cannot stock or sell packaged liquor of any form and wish to propose to the Queensland Government that local food and grocery businesses stock and sell only locally produced beverages - including wine, beer, cider and spirits – based on the Tasmanian model.

In attendance were: Michael Conrad from Sunshine and Sons Distillery, Kirra and Steve from Beechtree Distillery, Tony Thompson from Flame Hill Vineyard, Jackie Ingram Executive Director for Strategic Policy with Qld Small Business, and MGA’s Board of Directors.

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This has been a 15-year journey for MGA and the MGAQ Committee with no successful outcomes delivered to date.

By way of background: • Some 5 years ago under the then Queensland Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch (together with the Queensland Small Business Consultative Committee), a unique report was researched and written to bring local producers of food and beverages together to form an economic local eco system to enable long term sustainable growth and prosperity for Queensland’s small businesses.

• This was initiated to help Queensland small businesses develop a point of difference in the face of extreme competition (market power) from the duopoly Coles and Woolworths

and also Aldi. Coles and Woolworths both sell packaged liquor – 80% market share of packaged liquor in Queensland.

• The Entrepreneurial Pipeline Project was created. A project that would bring local Queensland producers, manufactures and suppliers of local foods and beverages together in an eco-system that creates a unique point of difference.

• Stocking and selling local food and

wine, beer spirits beverages to local consumers and tourists.

• The market share of the family and

private food and grocery sector has diminished in the face of this adversity to a market share of 7% in Queensland.

• Distribution channels to market for

locally produced wines, beers, spirits,

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SUNSHINE COAST and ciders are also very limited as a consequence of not being able find suitable distribution points of sale.

We have been continuously blocked with this idea. An idea that we believe can benefit the entire state of Queensland.

MGA will be endeavouring to work very closely with the Queensland Small Business Director General and his team to progress this initiative further together with all Sunshine Coast small businesses.

» We have support of the Queensland Wine Industry Association, Queensland Distillers Association and Queensland Boutique Brewers Association for the Entrepreneurial Pipeline to succeed.

» We understand this is a complex matter and have been working on this matter with the Queensland Government for almost a decade.

Together we have come up with various solutions which we both believe would benefit the growth and prosperity of many small businesses in Queensland.

» MGA believes we are being blocked by an industry association with enormous market power who are advocating for no more packaged liquor licenses. This is clearly anticompetitive.

» The Queensland Government has also put up some barriers based upon what we believe another industry organisation may have fostered with the Premier and former Attorney General and Health Minister e.g.

L-R: Jos de Bruin, Mark Paladino, Graeme Gough, Jackie Ingram - Executive Director fro Strategic Policy QLD Small Business, Ripple Parekh (rear), Debbie Smith (centre), Rowena Cann - Food & Agri Network FAN (front), Lincoln Wymer (rear), Terry Slaughter, Michael Conrad - Sunshine & Sons Distillery and Tony Thompson from Flame Hill Vineyard.

• Proliferation of Packaged

Liquor licenses will cause alcohol fueled violence

• Proliferation of Packaged

Liquor licenses will cause harm to health.

This has no substance or truth at all based upon the type of products that are being proposed to be stocked and sold at premium prices.

The meeting was very productive with many matters, issues and opportunities raised and discussed.

The meeting culminated in a number of suggestions being made to progress this initiative, both at local and Government levels.

This photo and opposite: MGA Board members meet with local Sunshine Coast distillers, wine makers, and brewers.

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Seasons Family IGA Supermarket at Noosa Junction Plaza It was great for MGA’s Board of Directors to meet with Seasons Operations Manager, Bruce Goulding in this very impressive store.

This store was completely refurbished two years ago into a 2000 square metre world class food and grocery store. It definitely has a wow factor. The lighting, layout of the store, choice of colours and materials used, all add to the warm and inviting ambience of this store.

Consumers are tantalised by the amazing fresh and local food offer from when they enter the store.

Consumers not only think of their day to day needs but entertaining needs as well.

This store is famous for its fresh and locally sourced food offer which includes fresh fruit, vegetable, gourmet foods, readymade meals, a large and impressive fresh and dry aged meat (4 different cuts) section, an amazing range of 2,500 local and imported cheeses, dairy products, entertainment foods such as dips, 1 frozen and 3 chilled doors of plant based dairy products, Bee Man honey, orange juice squeezed in store, Australian and European bakery products range, organic and gluten free products.

This store has its own instore health Food and Wellness Market, Asian foods, gourmet foods and a bulk self-dispensing oils station which includes, flax seed oil, extra virgin olive oil, macadamia oil, avocado oil, hempseed oil and sesame seed oil.

There are 60 bays of gourmet direct lines in addition to the standard supermarket range.

Fresh sales represent 45% of this stores turnover coming from 35% of the allocated floorspace.

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MGA’s Board with Seasons Operational Manager, Bruce Pulford (2nd from left)

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Whites Family IGA Supermarket Baringa The most recent addition to the White families group of food and grocery supermarkets is the recently developed Baringa store.

Located in a new local shopping centre built in the new and emerging superb of Baringa on the Sunshine Coast, this superb anchor 1400 square metre store exemplifies what independents are capable of doing if opportunity and will exits.

Managed by Lauri Adams and employing over 80 people this store is sensational on entering the store. This well laid out store has wide aisles, superb lighting, very attractive colour schemes through each department and superb purpose built display locations.

There is a café, complete with barista, at the front of the store serving light snacks and beverages including wines and beers, a wonderful flower display accompanied by a large display of elegant homewares, vases, cooking items and giftware.

The ambience and offer within this store are exemplary. Whilst offering a traditional range of groceries, the Whites have created shops within this shop to exude a feeling of a fresh marketplace.

The “locovore” theme is fully evident throughout this shop with a big emphasis on locally sourced fresh and gourmet foods.

There is a dedicated kitchen for freshly prepared take home meals, a “gourmet pantry” delicatessen with a wide range of local fresh and gourmet foods

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including cheeses, dips, olives, ready meals, honey, sauces, soups and a fish bar. The “charcuterie” or butchery offers a superb range of freshly cut meats whilst the bakery offers a wide range of baked breads and treats consisting of local and national brands.

The fresh area is a marketplace with timber floors feel whilst the grocery section is a traditional grocery store feel with a clean grey “stone” look.

Health and wellbeing is a constant theme throughout the store which is evident by the extensive range of organic food and beverages being stocked in the store.

The merchandising standards are exemplary with a myriad of refrigerated doors being allocated to organic foods and drinks, meat, orange juice, milk, cheeses, small goods, dips, yoghurt, butter, meals and drinks.

There are 28 freezer doors with ice cream, vegetables, meals, pies and prepared meals. There is a large section dedicated to the “Party Zone”.

Customer service is enhanced with four checkouts and six Express checkouts Congratulations to the Whites team for creating this wonderful and exceptional customer shopping experience in Baringa.

Whites IGA Baringa

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Whites Family IGA Supermarket – Peregian Whites Family IGA is located in a cosy but very practical community shopping centre in Peregian. This 800 square metre food and grocery store with polished concrete floors, subtle and effective lighting, and inviting décor leaves no stone unturned. Managed by Leanne Blyde, one can only be impressed by the merchandising, display and ranging standards that have been created and maintained in this store.

Upon entering the store consumers are immediately welcomed by a magnificent range of fresh flowers, an elegant range of home maker products, ornaments, pottery vases and cooking dishes and an extensive range of fresh and gourmet foods.

This store derives 50% of its sales from fresh and gourmet products. A credit to the work this store does to present an amazing fresh and gourmet food offer.

There are 6 aisles of groceries, general merchandise displays throughout the store, 24 doors of frozen foods, 24 doors of chilled foods and beverages, 9 fridge doors of meat and a 6 door drinks fridge.

There are stores within the store such as - My Butcher Shop, The Bakery Shoppe and The Pantry.

Congratulations to the team at Whites IGA Peregian for presenting such an amazing food and grocery offer in Peregian.

The fresh produce preparation hub is the focal point of the fresh section with deli, bakery, meat, fish, local prawns and an amazing cheese section a few steps into the store.

This store boats a very large range of local fresh and gourmet products, a very large deli preparation area taking up 25% of the space in the store that has an extensive range of ready meals, a hot box, small goods, cheeses, dips, bakery products, vegan, organic, gluten free products on offer. The “locovores” theme is very strong in the store with an emphasis on supporting local growers and producers – this connects customers to their local suppliers and helps support a local eco system in the community.

There is a coffee machine with a fully trained barista for customers to enjoy a coffee as they shop. Customers who purchase $50 or more in this store receive a free coffee from the deli.

MGA Directors, Ross Anile WA and Lincoln Wymer VIC with Store Manager, Leanne Blyde (centre)

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Supa Valu Doonside - Romeos Owned and operated by the Romeo family, and located in the Sydney Western suburb of Doonside, is the inaugural independent warehouse style Supa Valu concept store in Australia.

Designed to be a one stop shop, this Supa Valu store provides customers with wider aisles and bigger trollies along with a range of products, fresh food and produce and the competitive prices to compete with the chains, as well as Aldi.

This store has a huge amount of space allocated to bulk fresh produce, delicatessen bakery and meat along with pallets of grocery items that customers always seem to need.

There is a centre aisle with bulk palletised special offers on many brands that customers love to shop for Customers come to this store from far and wide to shop for their favourite grocery brands, as well as an exceptional fresh food offer.

Congratulations to the Romeo family for creating this warehouse style food and grocery supermarket.

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Supa Valu Doonside - Romeos

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Important Member Announcement –

Paracetamol Products Early in May 2022, MGA was approached by the Consumer Healthcare Australia voicing their concern there may be a risk of members losing the right to stock and sell paracetamol products.

There has been a concern raised by health care agencies within the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) that paracetamol is too readily available to the public and could be cause for misuse and harm.

the-counter pain medicines, supports the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) Paracetamol Review, and looks forward to contributing constructively to expert assessment.

related to mental health, and share the community’s deep concern about this issue.”

CHP Australia was among the early advocates for Australia’s Quality Use of Medicines policy and remains absolutely committed to supporting medicines safety.

“We are working actively with policymakers and other stakeholders to implement initiatives that further promote safe use of non-prescription medicines, particularly among vulnerable populations.”

This work includes ongoing discussions with supermarket retailers on introducing a two-pack purchase limit for all single active ingredient OTC analgesics for oral use, sold outside of the pharmacy environment.”

MGA is strongly encouraging all members to put a two pack purchase limit on all paracetamol products. Please hang shelf talkers clearly below these products indicating there is a two pack limit for paracetamol products. This is then reflected with two pack limits in the store’s point of sale systems.

When used according to the label instructions, over-the-counter (OTC) paracetamol pain medicines are safe and effective, and are an important option for managing everyday pain as it occurs such as headache, backache, toothache, period pain, cold and flu symptoms etc.

Consumer Healthcare Australia (CHP), as the association representing the manufacturers and distributors of nonprescription medicines, including over-

“However, like all medicines, misuse can be harmful. We recognise there are many complex factors involved in intentional misuse of medicines, including those

If implemented, consumers purchasing OTC pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin) from supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations would be limited to two packs per transaction.

MGA will keep members informed of any further progress with the TGA. In the meantime MGA strongly encourages members to put a two pack purchase limit on all single active ingredient OTC analgesics / pain relievers for oral use - (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).

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Tasmanian Independent Retailers (TIR) 2022 Conference and Retailer Awards Dinner The 2022 Tasmanian IGA Awards of Excellence were held at the Wrest Point Casino Ballroom on Friday 6 May 2022.

The MC was National IGA Ambassador, Shane Jacobson. This prestigious event was attended by 300 store owners, staff, and suppliers to celebrate the achievements of Tasmania’s independent grocery network.

There were some outstanding achievements on display from various retailers from around Tasmania. All attendees welcomed the opportunity to network and catch up with friends and customers.

The Tasmanian independent network of IGA retailers is very closely connected, and works closely as an eco-system with TIR, with local and national suppliers growing their businesses within the communities where they trade.

The TIR Board Chairman – Michael Baxter, TIR CEO – Grant Hinchcliffe and Head of Member Operations – Richard Oliver presided over the presentation of Awards to store owners and their families.

2022 Department Awards » IGA Large Format Delicatessen Department - IGA Devonport Hill Street Grocer

» IGA Medium Format Delicatessen - IGA Sandy Bay Hill Street Grocer

» IGA Large Format Meat Department - IGA Longford Hill Street Grocer

» IGA Medium Format Meat Department - IGA Sandy Bay Hill Street Grocer

» IGA Large Format Bakery mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

department - IGA Saint Helens Bay of Fires

» IGA Medium Format Bakery department - IGA Sandy Bay Hill Street Grocer

» IGA Large Format Fresh Produce Department -IGA Saint Helens Bay of Fires

» IGA Medium Format Fresh Produce Department - IGA Sandy Bay Hill Street Grocer

» IGA Large Format Grocery / GM Department - IGA Prospect Baxter’s

» IGA Medium Format Grocery / GM Department - IGA Bridport

» IGA Large Format Dairy / Freezer Department - IGA Prospect Baxter’s

» IGA Medium Format Dairy / Freezer Department - IGA Sandy Bay Hill Street Grocer

» IGA Customer Service and Experience Award - IGA Prospect Baxter’s

» The IGA Rising Star Award Penny Thirlwell – IGA X-press Nubeena Seabreeze

IGA Tasmania State Store of the Year Awards » IGA Xpress Store of the Year is IGA Xpress West Hobart Hill Street Grocer IGA Xpress West Hobart Hill Street Grocer provides customers with a great shopping experience, across departments, from the moment you walk

into the store. Friendly smiles and great product knowledge are key attributes.

The store has an outstanding fresh offer that exceeds expectations, coupled to a great dry and wet grocery range for the size of the store, ensuring customers do not leave unsatisfied.

Presentation, cleanliness, and ticketing standards across the entire store is a credit to the team of West Hobart, who are always striving to deliver a positive shopping experience.

Congratulations to Nick, Marco, Niktar and all the team at IGA Xpress West Hobart Hill Street Grocer, winners of the 2022 Tasmanian IGA Xpress store of the year.

IGA Medium Format Store of the Year » IGA Sandy Bay Hill Street Grocer IGA Sandy Bay Hill Street Grocer demonstrates class leading retailing with the customer being first of mind. Where customers are treated to an enjoyable shopping journey that takes you around the world and back again, with a mix of local and international products second to none.

The fresh offer across the store is exceptional, a visual delight, supported by a wonderful instore florist, dedicated cheese room, market-premium produce offers and a continental/new age deli, that encourages the customer to stay longer, to browse, to try, and to reach for your pocket.

The grocery range is a mix of local, international and grocery basics that go hand in hand to provide everyday value

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TASMANIA

The team at IGA Xpress West Hobart Hill Street Grocer IGA Store of the Year

and choice. Container refill initiatives are also presented throughout the store for the environmental savvy shopper.

The team at Sandy Bay, has shown great pride in delivering high operational standards each day, to provide its customers with an atmosphere that is welcoming, vibrant and exciting.

Congratulations to Marco, Nick, Niktar, and all the team at IGA Sandy Bay Hill Street Grocer, winners of the 2022 Tasmanian medium format IGA store of the year.

IGA Large Format Store of the Year IGA » Saint Helens Bay of Fires IGA Saint Helens Bay of Fires is a store that delivers everything a customer would like from their local supermarket.

A key destination for tourist and locals alike.

Customers are drawn by a large carpark that provides excellent access to the store. The store offers an extensive shopper-led range, which is competitively priced, and caters for their local community, and seasonal tourist.

A fresh offer which is driven by an experienced team of fresh champions who strive to provide customers with the ultimate shopping experience. Theatre instore comes from a dedicated Sushi Bar, big, colourful Produce department,

and a large traditional Deli.

The popular online shopping plus home delivery service, is one of the key services that the store provides for many folks along the East Coast of Tasmania.

Congratulations to Kemuel, Cassey and all the team at IGA Saint Helens Bay of Fires, winners of the 2022 Tasmanian large format IGA store of the year.

Kemuel, Cassey and all the team at IGA Saint Helens Bay of Fires, IGA Large Store winner

The Sam Richardson Perpetual Award » The Walker Family of IGA Xpress Flinders Island

Supplier of the year awards as voted by IGA TRas Retailers » Retail Development Supplier of The Year Winner – Unox

» Tasmanian Supplier of The Year Winner - Cripps Nubake

The team at IGA Xpress Sandy Bay Street Grocer, IGA Medium Store winner

The Yarra Valley’s newest must visit destination, Hubert Estate is now open for visitors to enjoy and experience first-hand. For further information and to book, please visit https://hubertestate. com.au/.

» Overall Supplier of The Year Winner - Smiths Snackfoods Well done to all IGA Retailers on your collective successes of the past 12 months and we all look forward to the future with hope and optimism, supported by the strength of your network and Co-Operative.

TIR CEO Grant Hinchcliffe (left) with MC Shane Jacobson

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Tasmanian Independent Retailers

The Prestigious Sam Richardson Perpetual Award In 2006, the Sam Richardson Perpetual Award was established to recognise the highest commitment to the independent grocery sector, community, and of course, their customers. This award also acknowledges their longevity in the industry and reflects their contribution to the essential values of all independent grocers.

The Sam Richardson Perpetual Award for 2022 was awarded to:

The Walker Family of IGA Xpress Flinders Island.

When you have a main street and a scenic lookout named after your family’s name, you know that you are part of the fabric of that location… for the Walkers, this is Flinders Island.

The Early Days The Walker journey on Flinders Island dates all the way back to 1900’s, when Harold Jeff Walker took up the land immediately adjacent to the spot (the white mark) where people from the outlying areas came to cut wood and where Harold built the first store in conjunction with his house, selling everything from boots to mining suppliers to groceries.

Around 1912-13, Harold Walker built a larger new general store on the corner of Robert and Walker Streets. He also became the Postmaster, and the Post Office was established in this building.

During this period also, the morse code radio station was built at Settlement Point. It was for the transmission of morse code messages, and the people mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

of Flinders Island were permitted to send telegrams for two shillings for 16 words and a penny halfpenny for each additional word. It was during this early period when Harold was Postmaster, the name White Mark was joined together to make Whitemark. When sending a telegram, the name and address of the sender had to be included, and by making Whitemark one word, it only cost a penny halfpenny instead of threepence. Harold died suddenly, aged 40, leaving his wife with six children under 17. The farm, shop and other businesses were sold.

Fast forward a Generation Harold’s eldest son, Leedham Charles Walker (Senior) saw a lot of changes in his 90 plus years.

Early one morning as a youngster, Leedham Senior of North East River galloped into the yard at Whitemark on a large white horse. Leedham’s father, Harold Walker had just recently issued the first ever written accounts on Flinders, from his shop in Whitemark.

Mr Smith was very angry and offended.

Shaking the document, he said “Walker, I always know what I owed and don’t need to be told: especially on paper.” He would not dismount for a cup of tea and headed straight back to North East River.

Leedham Senior was originally a builder and when times were hard during the depression, he opened another shop, selling timber and building products, and eventually other items including groceries. This shop was located just outside the township.

Leedham Senior was very progressive over his 90 years and was instrumental in establishing many services on the Island, from shipping to airlines to bus services. So much so, that in 1996, Leedham Senior was recognised in the Queens Australia Birthday honours roll and subsequently awarded an OAM for services to the community of Flinders Island, particularly in the establishment of a shipping service, and to local government, retailing and the building industry.

Leedham Senior and his wife, Thelma brought up 4 children and after leaving the island for school and work, the two eldest, Kenneth and Leedham John came back to help out in the business in the early 1960’s.

From here, the eldest sons helped build a new supermarket in the heart of the township of Whitemark with groceries on one side of the building and a garage and fuel services on the other side. In the 1980’s, Kenneth decided to exit the business and sold to Leedham and

INDUSTRY NEWS

TASMANIA

L-R: Shane Jacobson, Leedham Walker, Judy Walker, Michael Baxter - Chair TIR, Grant Hinchcliffe TIR, and Richard Oliver TIR

his wife Judy. It was around this time that they became members of the Cooperative. As time progressed, the garage was closed and the fuel relocated, with the entire building being devoted to supermarket retailing.

Leedham, being an avid pilot, would fly over to Gippsland, Melbourne to pick up fresh supplies for the folks of Flinders Island, ensuring that the community didn’t go without! Leedham did this trip several times each week for over 22 years!

Leedham and Judy have now retired from the business, however, it’s hard to keep a good man down and Leedham can still be seen helping out and around the store, performing daily rubbish tip runs, airport delivery pickups and at 83 years of age, is still known to get up on the back of the truck to help unload the goods.

Today the business is run as a company by the 4 children of Leedham and Judy and is managed by their daughter, Sally, who is just as passionate about retailing, as her parents were. The store has gone through a mini transformation with the installation of new coolrooms, fridge/freezers and fresh area to provide their community with a greater shopping experience. Sally is very much community focused and is more than willing to support the local school, and community groups when called upon.

I think we could say that the Walkers are one of the leading and most open-minded pioneers of Flinders Island. They are also one of our longest serving members of Tasmanian Independent Retailers - since 1983 (39 years), and we are glad to call them our 2022 Sam Richardson Award recipient.

Congratulations to the Walker family from Flinders Island.

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VICTORIA NATIONAL

Two pandemic cancellations and a flood.

The dramatic efforts Reddrop Group endured to host its ‘Gold’ standard 2022 Conference Pre-pandemics, in 2019, the Reddrop Group held its first Conference at the Vibe Hotel and Conference Centre in Marysville, Victoria. The conference included 23 Reddrop Group team members from 14 stores, including store managers, the operations team and 11 suppliers/companies and 3 guest speakers. The conference was excellent and a trial run for ‘bigger things to come’…so they thought…

Fast forward to 2020, with a cheeky theme of “20/20 Vision”, the Reddrop Group Conference was welcoming more suppliers (and additional stores) and was ready to share its vision to expand and invest in new stores and refurbishments over the coming 24 months.

Accommodation, suppliers, venues, transport, menus, golf competition, guest speakers and all the other measures needed for a successful conference were ready to go; and then the Covid19 pandemic hit, causing the Reddrop Group to cancel their May 2020 event. A second attempt was short lived for the same event to be rescheduled for November 2020, but with the world and Australian supermarket retail was in turmoil, the conference was to be postponed until further notice.

L-R: Michael Reddrop, FoodWorks CEO Rick Wight, Lincoln Wymer

In 2021/22 the Reddrop Group worked towards a third try at holding their conference, using the venue previously organised in 2020, RACV Goldfields Resort in Creswick. But in keeping with the uncontrollable nature of the previous two years, a massive storm hit the resort causing extensive damage to the venue and the Reddrop Group was given only six weeks’ notice to find a new venue.

After an “all hands were on deck” approach to find a large enough venue, the Reddrop Group secured

mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

Michael Reddrop addresses attendees at the conference

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VICTORIA and the Reddrop Team, the delayed 2020/2022 Reddrop Group Conference was a tremendous success.” Plans are already in full swing for 2023 with this conference to be held at its original venue, RACV Goldfields Resort in Creswick…. “I am confident a pandemic and biblical storm, can’t get in our way.”

L-R: Cathie Harper, Mark Simmons, Gemma Webster, Ross Catanzariti

the sophisticated Yarra Valley Lodge, located at the Heritage Golf Club in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. It was now a race against time to organise new dinner venues, a golf tournament, the trade show and extra accommodation, as the Yarra Valley Lodge only has 102 rooms.

Conference Dinner

In the preceding two years, the Reddrop Group grew from 14 to 21 stores. Therefore, the conference included 44 of the Reddrop Team (store managers and operations team), many of them meeting in person for the first time since 2019, and, a further 100 guest suppliers. Highlights from the week included a gala dinner hosted by Michael and Tina Reddrop at the captivating Rochford Winery with special guest, Winter Olympics Gold Medal Winner, Jakara Anthony.

Also, that night, special recognition was given to Bruce Steuart, of Upper Goulburn Freight Lines, who was instrumental to the Reddrop Group business through the pandemic.

2022 Gold Medal Winter Olympian, Jakara Anthony was the conference’s keynote speaker. Her message about “controlling the controllable” was not only inspiring but also provided great insight into her own journey to achieve greatness. Other speakers including, Michael Reddrop (Reddrop Group CEO); Rick Wight (Australian

L-R: Tina with Beijing Olympic Moguls Gold Medallist, Jakara Anthony and mother

United Retailers / FoodWorks CEO); and multiple suppliers who presented directly to the Reddrop Team. In addition to the speakers, there was a tradeshow, which gave suppliers direct access to the store managers and operations team to discuss products, new lines and promotions.

L-R: Lincoln Wymer, Ross Malcom, Tina Reddrop, Harrison Wood

“After two years of uncertainty, disappointment and trying times, it was an awesome opportunity to catch up and converse with suppliers, colleagues and peers,” said group COO, Lincoln Wymer. “The atmosphere was great.”

“Due to the hard work of Grace Rankin (Reddrop Group Brand Manager)

Reddrop conferencing in action

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INDUSTRY NEWS

NATIONAL

Global Online Shopping insight

UK Food and Grocery - Pandemic E Commerce After Effect The two year COVID-19 pandemic that caused severe lockdowns and border closures around Australia has profoundly effected the way consumers are accustomed to shopping. Online shopping, a small part of the Australian food and grocery industry, has increased significantly from a very small base as consumers search for shopping convenience.

Two years ago last March, Boris Johnson plunged the UK into lockdown.

With non-essential shops shuttered, the supermarket became the only place consumers could shop and the grocery sector’s vital role of keeping the nation fed was brought into sharp focus.

After those first few weeks of product shortages of everything from toilet paper to self-raising flour (remember the nation’s obsession with banana bread?), a new normal of grocery shopping emerged.

One of the biggest trends of the pandemic has been the significant rise of online shopping. This is true across all of retail, including grocery. Ecommerce accounted for 8.7% of all grocery sales before the pandemic hit in February 2020, by February last year it peaked at 15.4%, according to Kantar Worldpanel data.

However, online sales are starting to fall as shoppers move beyond COVID-19.

Ecommerce grocery sales were down almost 20% in the latest Kantar figures for the 12 weeks to 20 February. But, at 13.3% of all grocery sales, online is still notably ahead of pre-pandemic levels. Asda senior vice president of mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

ecommerce, Simon Gregg believes the online market will remain strong: “Critically, the online grocery market has still doubled in size versus pre-pandemic levels.” Gregg says that although Asda’s growth levels have stabilised since the peak of the first lockdown, where growth exceeded 100%, “we continue to see consistent numbers of weekly shoppers at levels more than double those seen in early 2020.”

IGD’s senior UK retail analyst Patrick Mitchell-Fox does not expect online grocery shopping to quite hit the peaks experienced at the height of Covid lockdown periods, however, he believes it will remain notably higher than prepandemic levels.

Meanwhile, Mintel forecasts that the online grocery market will be worth £22.4 billion by 2025, a £4.9 billion increase over pre-pandemic forecasts.

Speedy deliveries have taken off in a big way with people now expecting to receive grocery orders in minutes rather than day. To handle the surge of orders, supermarkets have had to make drastic changes, such as dedicating sections of their carparks for order pickup,

converting some stores to fulfill online orders and partnering with speedy fulfilment experts from Deliveroo to Just Eat. Gregg believes this trend will continue as normality resumes. “The pandemic has changed the way that people shop.

As lives become busy again, we continue to see customers selecting rapid delivery for top-up shops and essentials,” he says. Asda is looking to cater for the growing audience shopping for grocery on-demand and is seeking ways to give customers even more choose.

It is expanding the number of locations where it offers grocery on Uber Eats and Just Eat, which Gregg says accounts for “a significant percentage of online grocery sales”.

The grocer is also rolling out its own Express online delivery service, where shoppers can receive their orders made from Asda’s full online range in as little as an hour beyond the 149 stores it currently offers the service in.

Source - Retail Gazette

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TIMBER NEWS

NATIONAL

MGA TMA Industry Breakfast MGA TMA were very excited to finally host an industry breakfast for members and industry contacts on Wednesday 22 June 2022.

The Views, Port Melbourne provided a picturesque venue with everyone arriving before sunrise and getting to see the sun coming up over Port Phillip Bay whilst enjoying their breakfast.

The industry landscape has changed dramatically since we were all together meaning there was much to discuss.

It was fantastic to see the smiles on members and industry contacts faces as they got to see people face to face again and shake hands rather than meeting via online platforms!

All attendees were welcomed to the event

by Marie-Claire McKiernan, MGA TMA National Membership Manager. MarieClaire outlined the issues that have faced and continue to disrupt the industry, including what MGA TMA has done in the background to support members to keep them operating during very challenging times. The MGA TMA employment law team were mentioned and their dedication to support members.

Craig Kay, Engineering Manager at Tilling Timber receiving questions.

Tim expertly presented on Australia’s current demand and supply issues, how inflation suppresses demand, the impact of low population on the industry, finding the bottom of the market and finished off with the outlook on timber supply and pricing.

President of MGA TMA’s Management Committee, Peter Alexander talked about the committee and their role in serving members.

Corporate Partners, AB Phillips and First Super have been wonderful contributors to the industry and were invited to attend. First Super’s Tony Papantoniou, addressed the group and spoke about voluntary superannuation contributions and changes to employer contributions.

We were lucky to have two guest speakers attend the breakfast. Tim Woods from Industry Edge and Craig Kay of Tilling Timber.

Tim Woods, Managing Director of IndustryEdge, Australia and New Zealand’s only trade data and market mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

Craig Kay, Engineering Manager at Tilling Timber has worked for Tilling’s for over 27 years. Craig is well regarded in the industry with several members approaching Craig for advice on timber issues. Craig’s content covered off on LVL Australian Standards and National Construction Code (NCC) compliance.

Tim Woods, Managing Director of Industry Edge.

analysis, intelligence and strategy firm in the fibre resources, wood processing, pulp, paper and paper products sectors.

With more than thirty years-experience in the forestry, fibre, wood products and pulp and paper industries, Tim is a sought-after participant in strategic reviews, planning and implementation activities.

With the emergence of new imported products into the Australian market, it is important to be aware of the quality of product being received. As Craig put it, “Every piece of LVL from that manufacturer is a proprietary product and therefore must be accompanied with comprehensive design information and span tables with the product. Simply quoting an E (stiffness value) is ignoring

TIMBER NEWS

NATIONAL

other mandatory characteristic values producers must provide for their LVL.” Craig showed images of the contrasting ways LVL can be manufactured, from the fully CNC controlled “robotic” continuous flow production lines to the manual process production lines where small sheets of veneer are laid out before being cold pressed and then hot pressed.

There is not a dedicated industry body responsible for the overseeing of timber in Australia. It therefore falls on the ACCC when there are issues.

After a significant hiatus from events thanks to COVID-19, it was great to be back together in a face-to-face setting.

Guests enjoying breakfast.

Construction and home building companies collapse The building industry in Australia is in crisis with a number of construction and home building companies facing collapse this year.

In February, Probuild’s parent company, WBHO Australia Group went into administration. The collapse of Probuild has reportedly left 2,300 creditors owed funds and 14m outstanding in payments to employees.

South East Queensland construction company, Condev Constructions, were the next major player that went into liquidation. Following on, many home building companies have begun to fold, including Hotondo Homes Hobart, Peth’s Home Innovation Builders and New Sensation Homes, Sydney’s Next, Queensland’s Pivotal Homes and Solido Builders and Victoria’s Waterford

Homes. There have also been reports of another Victorian business, Snowdon Developments with CreditorWatch releasing a report on their business, with apparently more than 2.5m owed.

The media reported insolvency rumours facing one of Australia’s largest volume builders, Metricon, also hit by rising building costs, supply constraints and increasing fees from subcontractors.

Metricon denied there were financial difficulties and said it is business as usual.

There is speculation that more businesses will face financial ruin over the building and construction boom. It is important to stay on top of business accounts to ensure you do not become a victim.

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Timber Product Knowledge Training The second of our Access and provide timber and wood product information training sessions was held on 8 and 9 June 2022 in Melbourne.

Led by Rob Rule of Timber Training Creswick, participants were educated on the different types of timber and their applications. At the end of day 1, a number said that their heads were full of the knowledge that Rob had imparted.

Day 2 saw the group do a field trip out to members to put the knowledge from day 1 into practice.

The group met at David’s Timber and set off to Drouin. The first stop on the tour was to A.G Brown where Graeme Brown took us on a guided tour of their location.

He explained the lengths of timber from Vic Ash and explained how they make the most of every piece of timber. It was a cold and rainy day, so the group relished the opportunity to step inside the kiln for a short period of time. There is a staggering amount of timber processed

by A.G Brown.

The afternoon visit took the group to the purpose-built site of Drouin West Timber and Truss. Keith spoke about the history of the business and explained that the business expansion had led them to build the facility the group was at. Drouin West Timber and Truss has a unique product called Future Fit. It is a panelised building system that they say, “Saves time, money and worries”. On a tour of the factory floor, the group got to witness the panels being built.

Trainees at A.G Brown Sawmills

mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

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It was again another very successful training session and the feedback from participants was fantastic.

We extend our appreciation to the Hoo Hoo Club for facilitating day 2 of the course.

Our last session of the year will be held on 8 and 9 September 2022 (in Melbourne) with some places already booked. Book now to secure your place: https://www.mgatma.com.au/training/ creswick-timber-training-access-andprovide-timber-and-wood-productinformation

Having FutureFit explained

Touring production at Drouin West Timber and Truss

Taking in the theory Day 1 at MGA TMA Head Office Malvern Victoria

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LIQUOR NEWS

NATIONAL

Great result for Indies!

Cellarbrations wins Roy Morgan ‘Best of the Best’ award Cellarbrations has become the first liquor store to win the Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Best of the Best Award, breaking a four-year streak of car manufacturers taking out the top spot. take out the prestigious Roy Morgan ‘Best of the Best’ Award,” Levine said.

“Liquor stores were considered essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic and Australians forced to spend extended periods at home were able to frequent the stores to keep supplies of their favourite drop topped up. Rival store First Choice Liquor finished a close second to Isuzu Ute in last year’s ‘Best of the Best Award’ during the first year of the pandemic.

Photo courtesy @Drinks Digest

The Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards are calculated by survey results, where respondents name companies they deal with in various categories across more than 30 industries and rate their satisfaction. Throughout the year, Roy Morgan names monthly winners in each category, with the annual awards going to the company with the most wins.

Part of ALM’s network of Independent Brands Australia (IBA) banners, Cellarbrations was named the top liquor store for eight straight months in 2021, going on to win the annual Liquor Store of the Year category. Having an average customer satisfaction of 96.6 per cent across the whole year, it came out on top of every category winner to achieve Best of the Best status.

Speaking of the award, Metcash’s ALM CEO, Chris Baddock, said: “As the saying goes, success has many friends. This is spot on in this case with so much commitment from our independent retailers, our supplier partners and the entire team at IBA ALM who all are dedicated to championing successful independents.

“Cellarbrations is a wonderful example of the local independent retailer servicing their local community with the right range and service, while using the national retailer services and scale provided by Independent Brands Australia (IBA).”

Congratulations to IBA ALM support teams and the Cellarbrations bannered independent stores for this industry recognition, reinforcing ‘that when independent businesses come together powerful things happen!’

Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan, said the performance of Cellarbrations is incredible, showing the value of the industry right now to beat out a range of other powerful industries and global companies. “Cellarbrations notched up eight straight monthly victories during 2021 and is the first Liquor Store to Photo courtesy @Drinks Digest

mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

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of the

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Cellarbrations wins Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction ‘Best of the Best’ award for 2021.

The first liquor store to ever win the Best of the Best Award.

!

Good shout CHAMPIONING SUCCESSFUL INDEPENDENTS

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Steves Liquor. The dynasty continues A late-night phone call from Glen Skelton to Tony Leon some nine years ago brought together two icons of the independent liquor industry which saw the beginning of the Steves Liquor Retail group.

Glen Skelton started a Liquor Wholesalers in the eighties, servicing liquor retailers in Tasmania. Over time, the business grew substantially and expanded into the Victorian market, operating from their 8000 sqm warehouse in Cheltenham.

Tony Leon, who arrived in Melbourne from war-torn Lebanon in 1979, was primarily responsible for the national success story of Dan Murphy’s. Tony started working at their Prahran store in the mid-1980s at Dan Murphy’s. He oversaw the expansion of the business to five Dan Murphy stores before selling the independent business in 1998 to Woolworths as a result of the then Victorian Labor Premier Steve Bracks deregulating the packaged liquor market by removing the 8% limit on liquor licences. The limit was to restrict a person or a corporation from holding more than 8% of the total number of packaged liquor licences.

Their sons, Steve Skelton and Simon Leon, along with Shane Vella (who has mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

many years of liquor experience in the supply and retail channels), have taken up the reins. This new management team established five stores in Victoria, three stores in Queensland and three stores in Tasmania.

MGA caught up with them at their new refurbished St Kilda Store.

Tell us about yourselves and what is your vision for Steves Liquor?

Steve Skelton – I started in the industry by picking boxes and keeping the warehouse nice and tidy for my dad (Glen Skelton) at the wholesale business, then on turning 18, I managed the retail stores.

Simon Leon – As long as I can remember, I’ve grown up in bottle shops. As a five and six-year-old, I’d run around the Dan Murphy’s Alphington store all night while the old man (Tony Leon) completed stock takes. Christmas and school holidays were spent carrying boxes to the car for customers and collecting trolleys in the

car park. When the opportunity arose to join Dad at Steve’s Liquor in 2013, I could not say yes quick enough.

Shane Vella –I had done the full circle, initially starting by working in a drivethrough bottleshop when I was 18 at The Royal Oak Hotel Cheltenham, courtesy of my late friend and next-door neighbour, Tony Glynn. Then I moved into liquor wholesale and went to work at Bacardi Lion as a supplier, and finally back to retail.

We have eleven stores across three states in all different shapes and sizes.

We plan to continue to build on these and strive to establish Steves Liquor as a leading independent retailer by offering consumers a rewarding retailing experience.

How do you see the independent liquor retail sector, its strengths and weaknesses, and how do you see it evolving into the future?

The independent sector has always supported its local community, offering personalised service, product knowledge

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and convenience. Our strengths as an Independent is that we can meet our customer’s needs by being nimble, allowing us to adjust and implement things quickly. If we had any weakness, it would be the lack of willingness of fellow independents to partner up and come together to further grow the sector, as opposed to just viewing each other as another competitor.

outlets, e.g. Convenience Stores / Service stations. In the past, a liquor licence was held in high regard and came with huge responsibility around protecting the community with responsible service of alcohol. Do we really want to be like the USA, with liquor available in a convenience store that a minor can enter and buy lollies & a Slurpee at the same time?

How important is Store Branding to you, and what role should wholesalers play in the market?

Store branding is vital. It identifies who we are. Banner Groups such as Cellabrations and The Bottle O, which we trade under, have to play a key role by supporting their bannered members by constantly negotiating appropriate promotions whilst hitting competitive price points which reward our customers. Banner groups add value to our business and build scope and credibility within the market. It is a tricky job for wide range of wholesalers as the middleman tasked to collectively bargain for their members to achieve competitive sell price points with reasonable margins when competing with the national Chains who buy direct.

How do you view the relentless pressure by the Health Lobby groups on governments to have more restrictions on alcohol, advertising, availability, and labelling?

We get it. But governments should focus more on the supply, availability and education of future generations of consumers.

What are your views on online shopping and its impact on traditional bricks and mortar stores?

Online shopping is important to us and a growing area for our business.

However, it is important to partner with the right online platform. With so many different platforms available, it’s almost impossible to stay on top of them. Coupled with the cost-of-living pressures consumers are facing over the coming years. It will be interesting to see if pricing with a delivery fee will impact online sales, as these delivery services are normally more expensive than shopping in-store.

What is your view on government changes to liquor licensing, and what impact does it have on our sector?

We see an issue in the future around licenses being granted to non-traditional

How important is it to you to be a member of an employer organisation?

It’s very important to our business. We get the support and advice we would normally have to run around and chase ourselves. We are all too busy running our businesses and don’t have much spare time. We believe the MGA is a onestop shop that can offer many solutions to its members. Thumbs up from us.

Store Manager Matthew Oldham

If you had the ear of government, what would be the one thing that you would have them do?

The granting of new liquor licences or variations to existing ones. Do we really need any more packaged liquor licences in established areas? Of course, we don’t.

George Kovits President MGA Liquor National Support Office Phone 1800 888 479

L-R: Simon Leon, Steve Skelton and Shane Vella

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Seppelt unveils 2022 Luxury Collection The 2022 Seppelt Luxury Collection, is the new vintage releases of Seppelt’s most sought-after still and sparkling wines. This year’s Collection comprises eight wines sourced from across Victoria’s Grampians, Heathcote and Henty regions.

Crafted by Senior Winemaker Clare Dry, who joined Seppelt in 2020, the annual release is keenly awaited by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

“I’m excited for the release of this year’s Luxury Collection,” says Dry. “Many of the wines were crafted in my first vintage at the helm of Seppelt and I’m thrilled to showcase my winemaking approach, building on over 170 years of heritage behind the label.”

Released annually, the Collection is led by the 2020 St Peters Grampians Shiraz, sourced from the finest and most intense fruit from the Great Western Vineyard, with superb ageing potential. Six wines follow from the 2021 vintage, including four from Seppelt’s Drumborg Vineyard, one of the southernmost vineyards in mainland Australia. The Collection is completed by the new release of Salinger Vintage Cuvée, one of Seppelt’s everpopular sparkling wines.

“Each of the wines from this year’s Collection has a story to tell, from the elegance of St Peters to the ethereal Drumborg reds, the release is a showcase of our vineyards, viticulture and winemaking.”

“The Drumborg wines in particular were a thrill to make, courtesy of a sensational vintage in 2021. Fruit was picked at optimum conditions, delivering parcels that were incredibly flavoursome, balanced and pure. The Chardonnay is a real pride point as I’ve reworked the style significantly, creating a delicate wine which I believe captures the purity and intensity of the Drumborg site.”

The release also includes the 2021 mga.asn.au | Aug 2022 | Edition 4

Chalambar Grampians & Heathcote Shiraz and 2021 Jaluka Henty Chardonnay, wines which Clare comments are complex yet refined.

Rounding out the Collection is the 2017 release of Salinger Vintage Cuvée, a wine crafted in the traditional method, and spending four years on lees. “As a label renowned for our sparkling heritage, it’s a joy to release a new vintage of Salinger, the perfect follow on from the 2015, which recently received the Sparkling Wine Trophy at the 2021 National Wine Show of Australia.”

The 2022 Seppelt Luxury Collection is available from Wednesday 8 June from seppelt.com.au and select fine wine retailers nationally.

The wines include: Wine RRP (AUD):

• 2020 Seppelt St Peters Grampians Shiraz, RRP: $80.00

• 2021 Drumborg Vineyard Henty Pinot Noir, RRP: $45.00

• 2021 Drumborg Vineyard Henty Chardonnay, RRP: $40.00

• 2022 Drumborg Vineyard Henty Riesling, RRP: $40.00

• 2021 Drumborg Vineyard Henty Pinot Meunier, RRP: $36.00

• 2021 Chalambar Grampians and Heathcote Shiraz, RRP: $27.00

• 2021 Jaluka Henty Chardonnay, RRP: $27.00

• 2017 Salinger Vintage Cuvée, RRP: $30.00

INDUSTRY NEWS

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NATIONAL NEW SOUTH WALES

The ACT Government has announced their Tranche 2 single-use plastic ban regulations Banned 1 July 2022

Reminder

From 1 July 2022, the following items are prohibited from sale, supply, or distribution in the ACT:

Single-use plastics items which are already banned in the ACT:

» single-use plastic straws (including bioplastic

» single-use plastic cutlery and stirrers (including

alternatives)*

bioplastic alternatives)

» cotton buds with plastic sticks » all oxo-degradable plastics. *An exemption allows people who need them to access plastic straws.

Barrier bags were raised during consultation earlier in the year; however these have not been included in the Tranche 2 ban but may be considered in the future.

» EPS takeaway food and beverage containers » lightweight plastic shopping bags (less than 35 microns in thickness).

Enforcement The ACT Government is committed to supporting businesses and community organisations to adapt to these changes and will pursue an education-first approach to compliance.

More information: Visit the ACT Government’s website

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From grape to glass, Pernod Rickard achieves UN Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) As one of Australia’s leading wine, spirits, and Champagne companies, Pernod Ricard strives to be sustainable and responsible at every step, from grape to glass. Our actions are guided by our Good Times from a Good Place Roadmap and aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our business has been recognised as a UN Global Compact LEAD participant for our work on the SDGs – the only wine and spirits company to receive this accolade.

With part of our wine business situated here in Australia, we are inextricably linked to the land, and the ecosystems that surround it. Therefore, we understand our responsibility to respect, protect and restore nature for future generations. We care for the land by encouraging biodiversity, experimenting with regenerative agriculture techniques and sustainably managing the land from which our products take their character.

We also think about the resources needed to make wines. We are home to the largest combined winery solar

installation in the country, supporting approximately 15 percent of the winery needs. We are also exploring innovative new technology and trialling a new Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Battery that drives efficiency by capturing and storing energy, only releasing it when needed.

Across Pernod Ricard globally, we are committed to a Carbon Net Zero trajectory by 2050. But we know this can only be achieved through innovation and working with our partners, growers, and industry to minimise our footprint and sustain the land for future generations.

Albany MP Rebecca Stephens had a close relationship with Paul Lionetti.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Vale Paul Lionetti Western Australia (WA) Industry entrepreneur, visionary and prominent Albany businessman, Paul Lionetti, passed away suddenly whilst working in his beloved supermarket, aged 69, on 31 May 2022.

Paul was one of MGA’s original WA members. Paul was convinced that becoming a MGA member was essential for a strong industry voice as well as for the wellbeing and livelihoods of all independent grocers in WA. Paul’s warm and engaging personality endeared himself to his customers, his community at large and the supermarket owner fraternity around WA.

Robert Taddeo & Brett McKinnon, Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Barossa Valley – Photo Ben McPherson

Rebecca Stephens MP said Mr Lionetti had a passion for giving back to the community.

Paul Lionetti. Source - Business News and Madeleine Stephens

Paul was affectionately known as the ‘godfather’ of Albany such was his presence and involvement in this south coast town.

In 1977, he opened a deli in Albany with his brother-in-law, with his business expanding to include two major supermarkets and a restaurant and bar.

His most recent enterprise was building and opening the first major hotel in Albany, the 108-room Hilton Garden Inn.

“Paul Lionetti ... will be remembered for his many achievements and contributions to building Albany to what it is today,” she said.

“I will cherish Paul’s loyalty and support to me and my family over many years.

Both my sister and I worked for him at IGA when we were teenagers.”

Thank you, Paul, for your friendship, camaraderie and brilliant contribution to the independent Supermarket and food and Grocery sector in WA.

50 NATIONAL

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