MGA Independent Retailer February 2022 Issue 01

Page 11

INDUSTRY NEWS

NATIONAL

MGA attends Federal Small Business Policy Forum seeking solutions for members On 26 November 2021, MGA was invited to attend a high-level Small Business Policy Forum with the Federal Minister for Small Business Stuart Robert, organised by Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson. The forum discussed the many challenges Small Business owners are facing amid the Pandemic and workshopped possible solutions to help small business owners through this difficult period. Minister Robert opened the forum stating government will focus on post COVID-19 recovery with assistance of $271 billion designed to support small business future revitalisation. Measures including reducing red tape and associated cost burdens, investing in technology and digital solutions, were discussed, with an emphasis upon avoiding post COVID-19 unemployment problems that followed the Global Financial Crisis. Matters discussed included:

Pandemic Lessons Forum participants questioned how to capture lessons learned by small business in terms of policy settings, program design and interventions/ support. Key example presented was access to government support services with the solution being to create a one stop shop rather than a series of touch points. It was important to learn lessons from the Pandemic – what has been done well, and what has been done badly. What has been done well includes the use of technology and digital with meeting procedures, signing documents, entering into contracts,

Bruce Billson Worker Shortages meeting Small Business Jan 21

and, for example, allied health providers working remotely.

will be liquidity impacts for some time to come.

Government to business consultation was considered inadequate, particularly in some states, but is improving.

The cost of freight overseas (inward and outbound) has skyrocketed with delays at ports. Fuel supplies and cost of retail operations are under pressure, together with driver shortage concerns and price increases, which was suggested to be more palatable than the consequences of insufficient fuel if demand goes up in the holiday season.

Supply chain problems Participants highlighted severe supply chain problems across industries. There is difficulty purchasing assets and it is not possible to make the most of the instant asset write off, with suggestions this measure will need to be extended for three years. Businesses are observing warehouse stock piling due to supply chain issues; in the wholesale food sector it has been necessary to destroy much perishable food. Unlike hospitality, there has been no government compensation, and there

Small business does not have the same protection as consumers when they cannot afford to pay for utilities due to other liabilities, with many currently struggling to afford bills. A ‘no disconnection’ policy during COVID-19 is helpful but a transition pathway out is needed and strategy to prevent this in the future.

11


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook

Articles inside

Vale David Efron

2min
page 45

Consultation on Australia’s domestic organics regulatory framework

2min
page 44

Technology driven sustainability – MiPlanet

2min
page 43

Long serving MGA National Liquor committee member steps down

1min
page 42

ACCC advises recent pricing of rapid antigen tests could be unconscionable

1min
page 40

Outstanding IGA supermarkets across the country recognised at the annual IGA National Awards of Excellence

4min
pages 36-37

NSW COVID-19 workers compensation provisions to be wound back

1min
page 39

Queensland small business Covid recoverye

1min
page 38

Supply Shortages lead to learnings for the future on Supply Chain Management

2min
pages 34-35

Dealing with excessive annual leave accrual

2min
pages 31-32

Mental health and wellbeing surcharge .05% in Victoria

1min
page 33

Consultation is essential when issuing a mandatory vaccination policy

2min
pages 29-30

Leave options for COVID-19 related absences

4min
pages 27-28

Have we left ourselves in a vulnerable state?

4min
pages 16-17

Dalys’ new IGA store, Koroit

4min
pages 24-26

Family and domestic violence leave: Entitlement, obligations, and upcoming changes

4min
pages 22-23

Metcash boost on local retail

1min
page 19

Workforce and skills: small business critical supply chain (Food and Grocery)

1min
page 20

MGA pushes to ease COVID-19 restrictions causing severe worker shortages

3min
page 18

Ombudsman welcomes funding for critical small business mental health programy

2min
page 14

Building a store culture that values wellbeing

2min
page 15

CEO Welcome

7min
pages 5-6

MGA attends Federal Small Business Policy Forum seeking solutions for members

5min
pages 11-12

Competition litigator Gina Cass-Gottlieb to replace Rod Sims as ACCC Chair

1min
page 9

MGA TMA Membership of the ACCC’s Small Business and Franchising Consultative Committee 2022

1min
page 13

MGA meets Minister for Small Business Stuart Robert

1min
page 10

ACCC appeals $1million penalty in Employsure Google ads case

1min
page 7
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
MGA Independent Retailer February 2022 Issue 01 by MGA Independent Businesses Australia - Issuu