CEO Welcome

I wish to open this edition of the Independent Retailer by welcoming Lincoln Wymer as the new MGA President following his election in February. Lincoln is the Chief Operating Officer of multi store ownership members, the Reddrop Group, who operate 24 independent licensed supermarkets (IGA, FoodWorks, GO Grocers and Cellarbrations) in Victoria and New South Wales.

Lincoln has replaced Debbie Smith who was MGA President since 2019. I would like to thank Debbie for her dedication through a range of challenging issues, including COVID-19.

Under Lincoln’s leadership the Board has met to commence planning and preparations for 2023 and beyond, including early consideration and mapping for a new MGA Strategic Plan. With the ‘galaxy’ of issues that circulate around and through the independent grocery, liquor and timber and hardware sectors, it is imperative MGA targets and harnesses resources to those priorities that deliver greatest value and return for members. We will communicate directly with members through the course of this year to seek your input to identify those issues that truly matter to your businesses.

I have endeavoured to meet as many members and stakeholders as possible as I navigate the first few months in this role. Through these meetings and phone calls, several key themes have been consistently raised.

First, we recognise that industrial relations is a significant issue for members, particularly with the introduction of new laws following the significantly amended Fair Work Act 2009 late last year. Our Employment Law team are in demand with ever increasing complex and varied member matters. MGA’s in-house service is rather unique and something we are proud. However, I recognise that this is a dynamic landscape, and as such we must ensure the service is well-resourced and agile in this everchanging environment.

Second, the growth in illicit tobacco continues to place significant downward pressure on our sector. While considerable focus has been in Queensland as their State Government plans to strengthen penalties as well as other related measures, this is a growing national problem.

MGA will need to navigate state-bystate solutions as each state considers different measures to deal with this scourge. There is no doubt that a national solution is required. MGA will continue to work through a range of advocacy levers that raise awareness of this issue and seek to reduce the impact on members.

While the future will hold challenges to navigate together, MGA has not lost sight of opportunities ahead.

The MGA team looks forward to exploring these with the Board and members throughout the year and beyond.

David Inall CEO MGA Independent Retailers