IR May 2017

ISSUE 3 | MAY 2017

YOUR INDUSTRY NEWS PROVIDED BY MGA INDEPENDENT RETAILERS

THE BENEFITS OF INVESTING BACK INTO YOUR BUSINESS National Support Office

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1800 888 479

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www.mga.asn.au

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T E US A E S E COM PO SH EX A C T ME T COAS D L O G 7 9, 201 1 6 1 JULY

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

MGA NATIONAL

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

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

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

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP AND MEDIA SALES

5 CEO welcome

INDUSTRY NEWS 6 Extended retail trading hours - a threat to regional jobs and communities 7 Scott Morrison amends effects test legislation to remove hurdles for proving misuse of market power

8 MGA’s 2017 GALA Industry Golf Day 10 MGA attends FoodWorks national regional meetings; Keep an eye out for planning and development

11 Minister for Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg and Finance Minister, Mathias Corman; Decreasing electricity bills at Atherton Supa IGA, QLD

13 IGA State Retailer of the Year Awards 15 FoodWorks meets Federal Minister for Small Business, Hon Michael McCormack MP 16 One family looking after another; MGA attends NAB Small Business Advisory Council meeting and dinner

17 Cyclone Debbie – North Queensland; Illicit tobacco forums

19 Proposed tobacco licensing Queensland 20 8 critical success factors to an effective strategic partnership 21 IGA Baldivis South – a green fields development 23 Government takes action on HFCs 24 HFC phase-down effect on supermarket refrigeration 25 IGA Como – Preston Fresh: refurbished and repositioned 26 Need assistance to help operate your business safely and effectively?; Competition law reform passes through Lower House

27 Government reduces company tax rate

LEGAL AND HR 29 Penalty rates – the debate continues 31 Social media, the employer and the employee; How to get ahead of the superannuation changes in 2017

32 Keeping the records straight; Minimising fraud and chargebacks

Steve Sellars 0407 399 240 E: steve.sellars@mga.asn.au

33 Terminating an enterprise agreement

EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION

35 MGAL meets Victorian Shadow Minister for Energy and Innovation and

E: courtenay.hirst@mga.asn.au

FOLLOW US ONLINE:

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

LIQUOR NEWS Shadow Minister for Small Business; NSW Government announces the Hon. Paul Toole as new Liquor and Gaming Minister

38 Cellarbrations Baldivis South – greenfield development 39 National win for SA grape growers 40 Canberra stores IGA + Local Liquor Nicholls, Drakeford and Deakin 41 Roy Morgan “The Australian alcohol retail market in review” Report 43 ALM Key Account & Supplier Golf Day; NSW annual liquor licence fee notices to be sent in April

TRAINING 45 Employment law seminars; Safe work instructions www.mga.asn.au

MGA CORPORATE PARTNERS DIAMOND

British American Tobacco Australia PLATINUM

GOLD

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WAREHOUSE AND BRAND PARTNERS

tasmanian independent retailers

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CEO REPORT

CEO WELCOME As MGA’s team engages and assists its members from around Australia, it continues to be inspired by its members who display amazing resilience, courage and commitment toward their businesses, families and staff.

Whether it be natural disasters like the recent flooding in northern NSW and in Queensland, or rising costs to do business, our members always seem to find a way to rise above adversity and succeed. The independent supermarket community is close knit and only too willing to assist their colleagues in times of distress.

Recent interstate trips and store visits reveal intensifying competition from the two heavyweight chain stores and particularly Aldi in WA and SA, this coupled with sharply rising costs to do business, are a challenge to already razor thin margins.

Despite the benefits of the carbon tax being repealed a few years ago, crippling energy costs are also beginning to cause some members to consider the worst alternative to keep their businesses afloat – lessening staff working hours or simply

putting people off. This is devastating and is serious cause for state and federal governments to seek immediate energy cost relief for families and businesses.

MGA has urged federal and state governments to focus their immediate attention to this major issue.

On a good note, there have been a number of hard fought wins that will hopefully provide some cost relief for members in the coming months. Sunday penalty rate and company tax rate reductions together with the long awaited Competition Law reform initiative to amend section 46 with the inclusion of an effects test is something all privately owned and family enterprises can look forward to.

The lack of urgency by federal or state governments to address the increasing illicit tobacco phenomenon continues to be a major concern for members. MGA, together with other industry stakeholders is engaged at a number of different state and federal government levels seeking action to stop this illegal activity.

Travels around the country have also revealed that many members are

investing back into their businesses.

They are creating a point of difference between themselves and the “vanilla and boring” shopping experience that Coles, Woolworths and Aldi offer. Testimony to this are two newly launched WA stores, located in Baldivis South (greenfields) and Preston Street Como (complete refurb). The range of local and imported fresh and grocery products offered in both stores to suit their local demographics is simply outstanding and drives a very clear point of difference that consumers are looking for.

MGA urges members to consider reinvesting back into their businesses, whether it be refurbishments to refresh the store, online shopping or just sourcing local and unique products that help keep customers engaged, stimulated and interested in always coming back to your store.

Until next edition – good selling.

Jos de Bruin CEO MGA Independent Retailers

KEEP AN EYE

OUT FOR OUR NEW COURSES Coming end of May!

Tobacco

Customer Service

Employment Law Seminars

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www.mga.asn.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS QUEENSLAND

Extended retail trading hours: A threat to regional jobs and communities The Queensland state government is planning changes to trading hours which will make it easier for Coles and Woolworths to swamp local, community-run supermarkets.

This should ring alarm bells for any politician who is serious about protecting jobs and local communities in regional Queensland.

The government’s plan is anti-community, anti-consumer and anti-competitive. It works solely in the interests of the major national supermarket chains, the only sector driving this agenda.

Little wonder the QLD state government has barely mentioned this publicly. It knows the move is deeply unpopular outside the Brisbane metro area. The facts are: • Giving the green light to Coles and Woolworths to open longer hours makes it even harder for independent, community-based businesses to compete • Community-based family-owned businesses provide vital support to the heart of townships and if they’re forced to scale down or close their doors a direct adverse impact ripples across the community • As local businesses close,

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consumers have less choice As local businesses close, there are fewer options for new market offers.

More market dominance makes it easier for the majors to increase prices – history has shown this especially occurs with fresh produce Queenslanders lose jobs because jobs lost in independent stores are replaced in major chains at half the rate When you shop with your local community supermarket your money stays in the local economy, rather than off to the headquarters of the national chains. Keeping money local supports other local businesses and community ventures

Independent research* in rural and regional Queensland shows that voters do not want more power to Coles and Woolworths: • Voters are far more concerned about jobs and improving basics like transport: the question of extended hours for supermarket shopping is a non-issue

SAY NO TO EXTENDED TRADING HOURS! May 2017 - Edition 3

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The vast majority of voters (85%) are satisfied with opening hours as they are For 66% of voters it is “extremely” or “very” important that local independent supermarkets survive.

60% do not want to see more dominance for Coles/Woolworths 71% agree that “allowing large nationally operated retail businesses the ability to determine their own trading hours will harm independently owned community stores and reduce consumer choice”

We are asking for sensible regulation of opening hours that allows a level playing field in regional Queensland.

The government appears set to grant the big supermarket chains: • 7 extra hours per week opening time • The right to argue to open on Sundays in 20 small regional communities.

Experience in SE Queensland has shown that: • There is substantial loss of business to an independent supermarket as a result of extended opening hours • The big supermarkets have thrown massive money and legal firepower at getting Sunday opening approved elsewhere, leaving no chance for family-run businesses to compete In summary, it is politically significant that Queensland and particularly regional Queensland does not want a Brisbanebased solution forced upon them.

Regional voters are wise enough to see the negative impacts that removing long standing regulations will have. They are much more concerned about maintaining real competition, real choice and also keeping local jobs.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Scott Morrison amends effects test legislation to remove hurdles for proving misuse of market power Treasurer Scott Morrison was successful in moving an amendment to the Government’s effects test legislation in the Lower House in March that will remove the “mandatory factors” a court would have to consider when deciding whether a business has misused its market power, in a move small business groups say will hopefully pivot big business towards a mindset of corporate responsibility.

While long-championing the introduction of the bill, MGA has continually suggested the planned effects test did not go far enough, pointing out that the policy still presented a number of hurdles in court to finding that a company had misused its power. A number of mandatory considerations remained in the proposed legislation which have now been removed.

The latest development comes two years after the Harper Review recommended Section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act should be changed to prevent companies with substantial market power from misusing this market power.

Following more than a year of consideration, and at one point, a shelving of a so-called possible effects test, the government introduced the Competition and Consumer Act (Misuse of Market Power) Bill into the House of Representatives last December.

The legislation which proposes to change competition law to ensure businesses cannot act with the “purpose, effect or likely effect of lessening competition”, regardless of whether they intended that outcome from their actions, passed the Lower House and will now move to the Senate, hopefully to be heard in the May sitting.

A Treasury spokesperson told SmartCompany the amendment “will

further strengthen laws that prevent firms with substantial market power engaging in conduct that harms competition in Australian markets”.

“The Turnbull Government continues in its commitment to reforms that will benefit consumers, businesses and the economy by boosting innovation, opening new markets and increasing choice for communities,” the spokesperson says.

The Labor Party has long opposed the introduction of an effects test, with Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen claiming in 2015, the policy would create a “lawyers’ picnic” when handed to the courts.

But MGA has always advocated that those still citing a “lawyers’ picnic” as a defence against an effects test should talk to small businesses who feel they have no power to fight big corporations.

MGA has long campaigned to have these “mandatory factors” removed as the current situation of competition in Australia presents a big disincentive for small businesses to grow or start their own businesses at all.

Currently MGA members, small to medium family owned businesses, feel that they have absolutely no protection and there are no deterrents.

While MGA hopes the effects test will ultimately force big businesses to look over their shoulders to ask “are we a good corporate citizen?”, the planned changes to the Competition Act are still not enough, because the worst that can happen to a business is to be issued a penalty.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission also supports the strengthening and simplification of Section 46 of the Competition and

Treasurer Scott Morrison Consumer Act, with Chairman Rod Sims telling Fairfax March 2017, the removal of “mandatory factors” would make the law much easier to enforce and would prevent lawyers coming up with ways to argue a company’s behaviour wasn’t anti-competitive.

ACCC Chairman Rod Sims has said, “Keep it simple as that way everyone knows what it is and it’s easier for the courts to enforce.”

Legal experts have told media company SmartCompany that it will be some time before small businesses actually saw the results of an effects test in action. MGA believes that big businesses are unlikely to pre-emptively change their behaviours, but the legislation creates an expectation of good corporate citizenship, and puts Australia in line with the rest of the world on this issue.

www.mga.asn.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS VICTORIA

MGA’s 2017 GALA Industry Golf Day MGA’s hardworking GALA committee organised another brilliant industry golf day. This extremely popular and superb industry event was held on Thursday 9th of March at the Keysborough Golf Club (KGC). Darren, the local golf pro, along with all the KGC staff could not do enough to help make this event a success.

The windless sunny weather couldn’t have been better and was no doubt a catalyst to assist most golfers to bring home some very sharp scores.

The day began with a hearty lunch of various gourmet sausages and hamburgers supplied by Slape and Sons and cooked by Roy and his team of helpers from the Lions Club. There was also a large range of beverages supplied by our supporters, in particular Lion who supplied Heineken mid and Boags Premium beers for the day.

Three early morning groups commenced the day at day break – it was a beautiful morning for golf and they completed their rounds before 12noon.

After a course briefing from golf pro Darren, the field of players made their way to their respective allocated holes for tee off with the shot gun start scheduled for 12 noon.

All players had a memorable day of golf, networking and socialising which is what this day is all about. Most groups were thankful to golf pro Matt Jager who was based on the 12th hole, for his incredibly accurate and long drives onto the green of this very long par three. Thanks Matt.

After golf and some socialising in the members bar all guests moved into the dining room – KGC once again were superb hosts in the dining room providing quality meals and seamless service.

Our MC for the evening was GALA committee member and driver of this event, Steve Sellars. Steve successfully navigated his way through a packed run sheet introducing a number of guests in the audience, including MGA President Rod Allen who spoke. The main guest

Morning groups

Ready to play May 2017 - Edition 3

Golf presentations

speaker for the evening was former golf professional Steve Bann. Steve is today known on the international golf pro circuit for his expertise in coaching and mentoring golf professionals including Robert Allenby. Steve provided some terrific insights into a number of international golf stars and the golfing world in general.

We thank all the sponsors of this day and event who made their food and beverage products available on the course itself, as well as, during the presentation dinner.

Many of the amazing golf awards and raffle prizes were also donated by our very generous industry suppliers and sponsors.

Whilst the main purpose of this day is to bring all our industry together for a day of fun and networking, we also like to make a community contribution, by donating all the proceeds to the Reach Foundation – which is making a big difference to the vulnerable youth in our community.

Thank you to all who participated and helped to make this such a terrific day!

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Winning team – Adroit Insurance Gross 64 / Net 54 Congratulations to Brendan Peck, Bart Healy, Brad Spicer and Josh Young pictured with supporter Jan Allat and Steve Bann

2nd place – The Moos (Devondale) Gross 66 / Net 55.9 Congratulations to Shaun Stow, Ray Anderson, Peter Lansley and Tee Lin Stern pictured with supporter Jan Allat

3rd Place – Asahi Beverages Gross 66 / Net 56 Congratulations to Trent Tuohy, Patrick Demezieres, Mick Henderson, David Shultz pictured with supporter Jan Allat

www.mga.asn.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS

MGA attends FoodWorks national regional meetings MGA personnel were privileged to be able to attend a recent round of FoodWorks regional meetings in South Australia, Victoria, Brisbane QLD New South Wales and Queensland. The purpose of attending these important gatherings of retailers was to share information and make Bundaberg QLD members aware of the vast range of “back of house” support services MGA provides for its members. MGA focused on 2 areas; Legal and HR (employment law) and state and federal government advocacy.

Phil Ibbotson and the team at I+M have looked after a wide range of independent retailers around Australia for over 30 years.

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With the recent spate of underpayment of wages claims from a variety of non MGA retailers and even a high profile chef in Melbourne, it was felt that it was time that MGA members needed to be “forearmed and fore-warned” by helping to make members more aware that our industry sector needs to be vigilant in complying with its payment obligations according to the awards and agreements retailers trade under otherwise there is a risk of loss of business reputation and high penalties being incurred.

A brief overview was also given in regard to a number of initiatives including; competition law reform, Sunday penalty rates reduction, illicit tobacco, packaged liquor, energy, plastic bag bans, container deposit legislation and so on.

We thank FoodWorks CEO Rick Wight, his team and FoodWorks retailers for the opportunity to meet face to face with FoodWorks retailers.

Keep an eye out for planning and development Members are encouraged to stay vigilant and keep a watchful eye in your areas for any development proposals and to form a relationship with your local council to make sure any form of supermarket, liquor or hardware development or rezoning proposal is being picked up early.

It is best to voice your opposition to any proposed competition in your area as soon as possible and to develop an appropriate defence strategy to protect the long-term viability of your business.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Minister for Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg and Finance Minister, Mathias Corman MGA attended a unique event at which Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy, Hon Josh Frydenburg and Senator Mathias Corman, Federal Minister for Finance, came together in a breakfast forum to discuss an array of topics including Australia’s energy crisis and forthcoming solutions, company tax reductions and what they will mean to Australian small to medium sized businesses, various foreign affairs topics including the fair trade agreements and

generally reviewing Australia’s economic outlook.

Hon Josh Frydenberg MP

There was a great degree of optimism toward Australia’s economic position in the world and although business is tough, businesses are continuing to innovate and invest back into their businesses.

MGA will keep members informed of any further news concerning the topics which were discussed.

Decreasing electricity bills at Atherton Supa IGA, QLD Atherton Supa IGA is a 2800m2 store built in 2009, located in picturesque Far North Queensland. In 2011, store owner, Mike Shakes was awarded the highest possible distinction for his store: IGA Australia International Retailer of the Year, and has since continued to receive accolades and awards every year. Mike’s focus on quality and innovation made Atherton Supa IGA the ideal candidate to trial the new ebm-papst AC AxiBlade on the store’s aircooled condensers. As a result, Atherton Supa IGA became the first supermarket in Australia and one of the first installations internationally to benefit from the latest development in fan efficiency.

Located on the Atherton Tablelands, a 90-minute drive inland from Cairns, the store is perfectly located to demonstrate power saving technologies due to its size, busy trade, complete retail offer, and tropical climate.

Recommendations Because of the different running hours per fan each year, the savings vary dependent on which fan is replaced. It was recommended that at least fans 1 and 2 on each condenser are replaced with AxiBlade.

Atherton Supa IGA air condensers, pictured: ebm-papst AxiBlade Evaluating the fans The selected condenser has 6 fans in two banks which service separate refrigeration circuits. The input power to 3 fans in one bank was monitored for one week before and after the upgrade.

Easy installation In less than 30 minutes per unit, the new AxiBlade fans were installed. No changes were made to the electrical components or structural design of the condensers, making the installation a simple task.

Cost comparison The cost difference between a comparable, conventional AC-6 pole fan to the new AxiBlade is negligible.

Failing fans and fans with high operational loads are optimal opportunities to install new AxiBlade fans.

AxiBlade

Savings per fan

% run

kW/h year

$

Fan 1

95%

2675 (38%)

$534.90

Fan 2

53%

2380 (43%)

$476.07

Fan 3

22%

1009 (43%)

$201.75

6064

$1,212.72

TOTAL

Next steps Contact our dedicated sales manager, Thomas Heine, to discuss what fan solution is best for your circumstances.

Phone: 0437 542 626 Email: thomas.heine@au.ebmpapst.com

www.mga.asn.au

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Get along with dairy

As part of a healthy and varied diet including calcium from Pauls Zymil supports digestion.

May 2017 - Edition 3

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INDUSTRY NEWS NEW SOUTH WALES & VICTORIA

IGA State Retailer of the Year Awards In March of this year IGA retailers in all of the states and territories conducted their State Retailer of Year Awards.

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These prestigious and coveted awards recognise the hard work, innovation and investments retailers have made toward providing their customers with an exceptional shopping experience.

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IGA Store of the Year IGA Mt Cotton – department awards include, Dairy/Freezer & Meat

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SUPA IGA Store of the Year SUPA IGA Atherton – department awards include, Meat and Fresh Produce

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IGA Xpress Store of the Year IGA Xpress Bowen Hills

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SUPA IGA Delicatessen Department Whites SUPA IGA Bli Bli – (second year running)

All award winners will be eligible for the IGA national Retailer of the Year Awards to be held in July 2017. Victorian and Queensland award winners are mentioned below.

QUEENSLAND WINNERS

VICTORIAN WINNERS •

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IGA Store of the Year Ritchies IGA Mt Eliza – an exceptional store taking many departmental awards – Meat, Bakery, Delicatessen, Grocery and General Merchandise and Dairy/Freezer SUPA IGA Store of the Year Ritchies SUPA IGA Mount Waverley – an exceptional store taking many departmental awards – Meat, Bakery, Fresh Produce and Grocery and General Merchandise SUPA IGA Delicatessen Department Boccaccio SUPA IGA Balwyn – this store was also awarded the Retail Transformation & Innovation Award SUPA IGA Dairy/Freezer Fairleys SUPA IGA Shepparton – and also the coveted IGA Community Award

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IGA Fresh Produce Department Renaissance IGA Hawthorn Glenferrie Rd

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Customer Service Award Marks SUPA IGA Mansfield

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IGA Team Member /Rising Star Award Sarah Harman – Port Fairy IGA

Vince Camera Award for Best Store Manager Daniel Muscat, Morgans IGA Group

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IGA Delicatessen Department IGA North Buderim

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IGA Fresh Produce Department IGA North Buderim

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SUPA IGA Dairy/Freezer Department Whites SUPA IGA Bli Bli – (second year running)

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IGA Community Award Whites SUPA IGA Bli Bli

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IGA Bakery Department IGA Marketplace Wises Road

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IGA Customer Service Award IGA Marketplace Wises Road

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IGA Grocery and General Merchandise Department IGA Beerwah

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SUPA IGA Grocery and General Merchandise Department SUPA IGA Tully

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IGA Retail Transformation and Innovation Ritchies SUPA IGA Boonah

Marks SUPA IGA – Co Owner Stephen Marks SUPA SERVICE: Marks SUPA IGA – Regional Victoria Marks SUPA IGA has been recognised for great all around customer service, taking out the Service Department of the Year Award at the 2017 IGA Victorian Awards of Excellence.

This particular award is reserved for “the store that demonstrates the most outstanding service to shoppers in their local area”.

Marks SUPA IGA co-owner and manager, Stephen Marks, said the business was thrilled to be recognised for providing customers a high level of service.

“I see it as a very good award to win because it recognises the whole shop is doing well – from the guy who does the deliveries, to the night packers, to the assistant managers and the duty managers,” Mr Marks said.

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SUPA IGA Bakery Department Drakes SUPA IGA Glenmore

The award will see Marks SUPA IGA represent Victoria in the national awards for excellence on the Gold Coast in July.

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Team Member/Rising Star Simon Tanti, Drakes SUPA IGA Rochedale

Marks IGA was also nominated for Excellence in the Deli section at the awards.

www.mga.asn.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS

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INDUSTRY NEWS NEW SOUTH WALES

FoodWorks meets Federal Minister for Small Business, Hon Michael McCormack MP On the 7th April FoodWorks management and retailers, during a regional meeting in Wagga Wagga NSW, met with federal Small Business Minister and senior local National Party MP Hon Michael McCormack.

Being a local, the Minister was well known to many retailers in the room and was able to summarise a number of recent federal government initiatives that will benefit family enterprises and privately owned businesses, more particularly independent supermarket owners and operators.

Initiatives included; company tax rate cuts for companies with $50m in sales or less, competition law reform – section 46 misuse of market power – inclusion of the effects test and the continuation of the enforceable undertaking by the chains to limit petrol shopper dockets to

4 cents per litre. The issue surrounding the enormous cost hikes of energy to power supermarkets was also discussed.

The Minister acknowledged the issue and offered there are no simple solutions to this issue at the present time although the Prime Minister himself is taking the lead to understand the issue causing price rises and is seeking to urgently find appropriate solutions.

FoodWorks retailers & management with Hon Michael McCormack MPin Wagga Wagga

Minister McCormack thanked FoodWorks management and FoodWorks retailers for the opportunity to meet and hear of all retailers concerns.

MGA also took the opportunity to meet separately with Minister McCormack to discuss the forthcoming budget, the passing through parliament of the latest competition law reform – sec 46

Jos de Bruin with Hon Michael McCormack MP initiatives, the recent announcement of Sunday penalty rates reductions and the reduction in company tax rates that will apply to most of MGA’s members.

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www.mga.asn.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS

One family looking after another Chances are you’ve seen Bulla’s range of products lining your frozen and dairy sections, but did you know how much the company contributes to the independent channel?

Although it has been known as a supporter of independent grocers during its 107-year history, Bulla Dairy Foods, an Australian, privately owned and operated family-run business, has been increasing its efforts to support and supply the Australian independent trade through a number of recent initiatives.

The most recent of which has been a promotion with Cornetts Group supermarkets. Bulla has joined forces with the supermarket group, offering three different stores the opportunity to donate $5,000 to a local sporting club on behalf of the Cornetts Group and Bulla.

“As we’re a family-run business, customers are at the heart of everything Bulla does,” says Bulla General Manager of Marketing & Innovation, Nick Hickford.

“That’s why we see the importance of being involved with the independents – we know that many of these businesses are family-run too, so we’re proud to be working with the channel and supporting local communities.”

Bulla is also centering many of its activation initiatives towards independent grocers. One notable example recently took place in Queensland. When the dairy company realised it needed to increase sales of Bulla Cream in the state, the team pulled out all the stops, integrating a shelf price promotion, coupled with a giveaway and a George Calombaris-backed radio campaign. The radio campaign was used as a vehicle to deliver mass awareness about the mechanics of promotion, and encouraged consumers to support their local grocers.

The company is also ramping up its support of trade shows and conferences. Two big fixtures on the circuit are undoubtedly the Metcash and Spar shows. Bulla recognised this and has been an ongoing supporter of the two events. It has also indicated that it will be extending support to other key groups’ conferences and events, including Ritchies, Drakes, Foodland and FoodWorks.

Further testament of Bulla’s extensive involvement is the development and distribution of tailor-made NPD that is exclusive to the channel. Products such as the Bulla Cool Down 30pk or the new Bulla Sandwiches 4pk have been specially designed to help independent retailers combat the fierce competition of the major supermarkets by providing unique selling positions or superior value offerings to the channel’s customers.

MGA attends NAB Small Business Advisory Council meeting and dinner MGA is a member of a selected group of industry leaders from various backgrounds who are involved in the growth and development of small to medium businesses as part of the NAB Small Business Advisory Council.

On the 29th March, MGA attended a meeting of the Council at JBWere headquarters in Sydney. The remit of the advisory group is to assist NAB to better understand the needs and enablers of small to medium sized businesses. To better understand the day to day issues and challenges they face that are inhibiting business start-ups and existing business growth and how NAB is able to assist.

National Australia Bank (NAB) takes its responsibility to nurture the growth of

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small to medium sized businesses, family enterprises and privately owned business very seriously, they represent 97% of all businesses and employ 4 out of 5 people in Australia. A significant contribution.

NAB Small Business Advisory Council meeting

There were many insights shared including the inconsistent commercial relationships that exist between the banks and their customers, the Carnell banking report and assisting to develop solutions in response to the report and the mental health of business owners.

Whilst it is acknowledged that mental health is a serious matter for the Australian community, our council discussions indicate that very little is known about the state of mental health of small to medium sized business owners. A work stream

NAB Small Business Advisory Council dinner will be embarked upon by NAB to better understand this very serious area and how as a responsible corporate citizen is NAB able to provide assistance to those business owners in need.

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INDUSTRY NEWS QUEENSLAND

Illicit tobacco forums

Cyclone Debbie

Cyclone Debbie – North Queensland The recent devastation in North Queensland caused by Cyclone Debbie has been catastrophic for many North Queensland residents and businesses.

MGA members affected by the incredibly challenging weather conditions and many without any power at all, did their best to open their doors and provide their local communities with whatever they had in the way of much needed food, water and ice. Rockhampton was the worst affected regional city, with the river running through town almost reaching 9 metres.

The GIVIT organisation dedicated itself to assisting as many weather affected North Queensland residents as many Queensland businesses made much needed financial and in kind donations.

GIVIT is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting Queensland households affected by Cyclone Debbie by connecting those who have with those who need.

Most businesses were closed, staff have been stood down and weekly incomes were affected.

To assist flood victims, Queensland IGA

retailers banded together and donated $100,000 in $50 gift cards to local residents along with 30,000 bottles of water and 8,000 litres of long life milk donated to the local SES for distribution.

Peter Piccone, from Cairns, represented the IGA group along with the Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk who personally recognised and thanked IGA retailers for this significant donation.

“IGA’s donation is another great example of business supporting their local community following ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie,” she said.

In February and March of this year a number of “illicit tobacco” forums were facilitated by the 3 main tobacco companies; British American Tobacco, Philip Morris and Imperial Tobacco, to discuss, address and seek solutions to the growing illicit tobacco industry. Tobacco, a legal product, is a substantial business within the independent supermarket and liquor store sectors. Any loss of sales through illegitimate channels will affect the viability and sustainability of many MGA members around Australia. MGA has been very active in this area and is urging the federal government “to do something about it”.

Forums included a wide circle of people from within the grocery and liquor industry as well as delegates from regulators and law enforcement agencies such as the Victorian Police.

As there seems very little can be done by either state or federal law enforcement agencies it was determined to ramp up activities to raise the level of awareness to this major issue in the form of a major public campaign.

More information will follow to members but in the mean time MGA will not desist in advocating for illicit tobacco to be stamped out.

Metcash, the wholesale provider to IGA stores nationally and the SPAR wholesaler for SPAR independent supermarkets have been working tirelessly to maintain food supplies to supermarkets in the wake of road and rail closures.

The Premier said she continued to encourage anyone wanting to help their fellow Queenslanders to make a donation directly with respected charities such as the Australian Red Cross, the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society of Queensland and UnitingCare Community.

www.mga.asn.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS

May 2017 - Edition 3

INDUSTRY NEWS

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QUEENSLAND

Proposed tobacco licensing Queensland As Queensland MGA members may be aware, the MGAQ Committee has been engaged with the Queensland Department of Health in discussions concerning a proposal to introduce a license to sell tobacco products. There are approximately 7,000 outlets that sell tobacco in Queensland.

In its submissions and consultations with the Palaszczuk Government and the Health Department, MGA has always been opposed to this unnecessary additional red tape and cost burden for its members. In MGA’s view this will simply end up being another excuse for the QLD Government to raise and collect an additional tax!

The QLD Government referred this issue to a Committee Inquiry which MGA participated in and noted that a licensing scheme would provide an important source of additional information regarding

tobacco retail and usage, as well as, appeasing the desire by the tobacco control community to restrict the number and location of tobacco retailers to further denormalise tobacco products and smoking, and to reinforce the harmful nature of tobacco.

cost burdens in license and compliance fees for retailers to absorb, is not the answer. For smoking rates to reduce there must be a generational cultural change driven by robust health education programs funded by the public, not retailers!

The Government accepted the Committee’s recommendations and acknowledged that an advantage of introducing a positive retail licensing scheme would be the ability to obtain accurate information on the number, location and type of tobacco retail outlets in Queensland. It also added an additional rationale for the potential of a licensing scheme to further reduce smoking rates by limiting supply.

The MGAQ Committee has met with the Queensland Department of Health and there did seem to be an appetite by the Department to cap the number of licenses and reduce by natural attrition; capping by overall density; capping by location/ postcode; or based on socio-economic status with (poorer areas having fewer licenses permitted than more affluent.

MGA has consistently voiced its concern to the Queensland Government that more red tape to restrict the sales of tobacco, a legal product, with additional

The consultation period is planned to cease at the end of 2017 when a final report with recommendations will be presented back to the Government. MGA will keep members informed after further consultations later this year.

www.mga.asn.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS

8 critical success factors to an effective strategic partnership At no point in history has it become more important to understand the phrase, “stick to your knitting.” Although in a rapidly changing world, doing the same thing better won’t necessarily help.

Consequently, what ‘knitting’ should you focus on and how might you source the necessary ‘knitting’ capabilities needed?

In this editorial we’ll provide you a framework that allows you to develop an approach to understand your motivations and the necessary partnership structures to develop successful outcomes.

There’s only so much time available, personnel and capital to pay them, let alone invest in growth! Resources are limited, however, knowing where and how to invest these resources is becoming increasingly difficult for business success.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had a crystal ball to see through complexity?

One of the drivers of complexity is the increasing pace of change and fragmentation driven by technological innovations. To illustrate, Gartner and Chief Martech demonstrate the number of technology companies developing marketing software exploded from under 200 in 2011 to approx. 4,000 in 2016.

This explosion causes more complexity; what’s the right technology to acquire, how should it be managed and what constitutes success? Answering these questions impacts your ability to compete because as CIO Magazine states, “most companies don’t have the employees available to manage the emerging technology platforms” of paperless and always connected, mobile and cloud enabled systems. This challenge characterises the independent retail channel situation. The holy grail is a partnership structured across end-to-end customer touchpoints, via technology and domain expertise.

Deloitte explains, companies partner to seek cost savings, enable core business functions, and solve capacity issues with leading practice organisations to drive

May 2017 - Edition 3

transformational change and improve business results. This leads to various partnering options.

The need to partner has three motivational dimensions. First, there’s the transactional need for a resource; the exchange of product/services for cash. Second, coordination, the sharing and exchange of information to improve the coordination and synchronisation of key processes.

Finally, collaboration, the exchange of information and knowledge amongst partners to deliver new or enhanced products and services to customers.

There are different partnership structures, with the main objective being the need to establish the level of control and flexibility for the partnership. This consists of two options; first, loosely coupled (suitable if risk is low) allowing the organisation to attract more business partners, creating partnering flexibility whilst enabling realisation of niche players’ capability. The second, being tightly coupled (suitable if risk is high). This allows for tightly defined relationships with a focus on solution quality and scale rather than pure speed to market. However, this does increase switching costs.

According to Harvard Business Review, Accenture and our own experience, a successful partnership has 8 specific critical success factors: 1. Strategic alignment: the context is understood and supported.

2. Collaborative governance: adopting a partnership attitude with dedicated organisation.

3. End-to-end approach: a holistic approach to managing the relationship scope.

4. Business outcomes: targeting strategic outcomes not just efficient transactions.

5. Relationship between partners: fostered through common culture and trust.

6. Value beyond cost: focusing on winwin benefits beyond cost reduction.

7. Technology as a business enabler: low cost and high value, driving operational improvements and innovation.

8. Domain expertise and analytics: contextualising data to create business value.

In GPK Retail business consultant, Cordell Quaine’s words, “providing value through understanding business outcomes is critical to our customers’ success.

GPK isn’t a technology reseller or an outsourcer in the finer sense of the words, GPK is a solutions company focusing on establishing long-term coordinated and collaborative partnerships with technology as an enabler. We know our client’s success is our life blood, we endeavor to ensure the companies we represent have the technological edge over their competition. Our customers have access to a broad range of solutions including Merlin™ retail software, managed services, help desk and onsite support, ‘as-a-service’ private and public cloud infrastructure and software platforms, networking, hosted services, phone systems and SIP, security systems, web development, internet services (from NBN™ to ADSL to Wireless) and retail business technology consulting.”

If change and meeting your customers’ needs is a constant, doing nothing isn’t an option. Be sure you are partnering with a company with the depth and breadth of expertise you require. Particularly one who can help you navigate end-to-end managed services, cloud, mobile and paperless retail technology. GPK Retail consultant, Cordell Quaine, is available for a no obligation discussion on how GPK can help you reduce operational costs, manage your IT footprint more effectively and create an exceptional experience for your customers. Contact: Phone 1300 000 475 or email info@gpkretail.com.au for more information.

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INDUSTRY NEWS WESTERN AUSTRALIA

IGA Baldivis South – a green fields development After 7 years of fastidious planning, Messrs. Pat Rock, Rob Halvorsen and Claude Koenig opened their 4th supermarket in the newly built Baldivis South local shopping centre which opened on the 20th March 2017. Managed by Damian Rose, assisted by Josh Rock this store is a beauty! It has a trading area of 1200square metres which is ideal.

There is a large upstairs staff amenity and numerous operational offices. In addition, a 190 square metre liquor store, branded Cellabrations, has been built next to the supermarket and is regarded as a “department” not a separate business.

The store design has allocated a third of its space to fresh food, including; fresh produce, bakery, meat, nuts, upmarket delicatessen, freshly prepared meals and local and imported cheeses with the aim of generating 40% of its sales from fresh food. Doing fresh exceptionally and consistently well is the point of difference

for our sector. Traditionally this group has prided itself with its extensive quality meat offer, winning many state and national awards. The meat offer in this store is exceptional.

Trading between 7am and 9pm 7 days per week, this store has a modern and contemporary feel with timber look floors, LED lighting, energy efficient state of the art CO2 fridges, freezers and delicatessen counters, integrated heating and cooling system, 8 grocery customer service and express lanes and 2 liquor store lanes.

Dedicated to first class customer service, Pat Rock sought to recruit a mix of experienced and non-experienced staff from the local area. All staff were trained to work within their specific departmental areas in the supermarket before the official opening.

There are 7 bulk ends at the front of the store. The store boasts more than adequate fridge and freezer space

allocating space as follows – 6 doors to drinks, 6 doors to milk, 12 doors to yoghurt and juices, 12 doors to dairy products and more juice and 28 freezer doors. The delicatessen area is also extensive with a 10 metre long counter with homemade meals, 8 metres of cheeses of the world, 6 metres of seafood, 22 metres of fresh meat and 12 metres of natural and roasted nuts as well as gluten free products.

Congratulations to Messrs. Pat Rock, Rob Halvorsen and Claude Koenig for your courage and conviction to invest in a greenfield development in a newly developed local suburb. The investment in the property, its development, equipment and staff is significant but will be well rewarded with the locals already supporting this store in droves!

Best wishes to store manager, Damian Rose and his assistant Josh Rock for successful trading into the future.

Assistant Manager Josh Rock with Manager Damian Rose

Owners Claude Koenig and Pat Rock

www.mga.asn.au

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May 2017 - Edition 3

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Government takes action on HFCs The Turnbull Government has introduced legislation as part of its global leadership in reducing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions.

The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Amendment Bill 2017 will allow Australia to phasedown HFC imports starting in 2018 and reach an 85 per cent reduction by 2036.

HFCs, which are powerful synthetic greenhouse gases widely used in refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers and insulating foam, contribute up to two per cent of our national carbon equivalent emissions.

Last year in Kigali, Rwanda the world’s nations met and agreed to start a global phase-down of these potent gases under the Montreal Protocol.

Australia co-chaired those important negotiations and has been a leader for many years in phasing down gases that are harmful to the atmosphere.

Globally the reduction in emissions are estimated to achieve up to 72 billion tonnes in carbon dioxide equivalent emission savings by 2050 or roughly one and a third times global annual emissions.

In addition to supporting a domestic HFC phase down from 1 January 2018, the Bill will streamline licensing, reporting and administration of existing legislation, significantly cutting red-tape.

The legislation will enable Australia to continue to contribute to global outcomes under the Montreal Protocol – one of the great international environmental success stories.

Thanks to global action under the Montreal Protocol the ozone layer is now expected to recover for most of the planet by the middle of this century and by around 2070 over Antarctica.

The amendments will ensure Australia continues to play a lead role in managing HFCs and ozone depleting substances.

Source: Media release – The Hon Josh Frydenberg MP: Minister for the Environment and Energy

Save the Date GALA BALL 2017 Friday 15th September, 2017 Plaza Ballroom, Regent Theatre, Melbourne

T he industry night of nights.

N ew venue.

G reat food.

F ine wine and beverages.

N ew band.

S upporting a great cause.

www.mga.asn.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS

HFC phase-down effect on supermarket refrigeration

By Peter Wharton Supermarkets considering upgrading their refrigeration equipment in the near future should be aware of the ramifications of the gradual phase-down of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) starting next January.

Kristan Wood, Managing Director of Allstate Refrigeration Services, specialists in the independent supermarket sector, said: “It is so important that anyone upgrading or installing new refrigeration equipment take the phase-down into consideration.

“You don’t want to spend a large amount of money on new equipment only to have to spend more money retrofitting the system a few years down the track.”

HFCs are powerful synthetic greenhouse gases widely used in refrigerators and air-conditioning equipment.

These gases contribute up to two percent of Australia’s carbon equivalent emissions.

The phase-down will be a gradual reduction in the maximum amount of bulk HFCs permitted to be imported into the country from January 2018 and will be managed through a quota system on imports.

The HFC phase-down will cover only imports of bulk gas such as in cylinders.

According to the Department of the Environment and Energy there will be no import quota for HFCs in pre-charged equipment, but bans on the import or manufacture of new equipment may be considered in future.

As a result of the gradual declining cap on imports an estimated 72 billion tonnes in carbon dioxide equivalent emission will be saved by 2050.

It is expected that developed countries such as Australia will phase-down their production and imports of HFCs by 85 percent between 2019 and 2036.

The HFC phase-down will not directly impact consumers as alternative technology using less harmful gases is already available in this country and further alternatives are becoming available.

For further information phone Kristan Wood on 0411 605 203 or go to www.environment.gov.au/protection/ ozone/legislation/opsggm-review/ hfc-phase-down-faqs.

Existing equipment that has already been imported into Australia will not be affected by the phase-down, the government report states.

ARE YOU BEING PRICE-GOUGED ON YOUR ELECTRICITY BILL? Could you be saving $3k per year?* It turns out that abolishing the Carbon Tax hasn’t stopped the total cost of the electricity bills from continuing to rise.

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That’s $3,650 a year instead of $700.

That’s almost $3,000 yearly savings that could go straight to their bottom line.

We have worked with our partners at the Aussie NRG Group to do something to help. It’s easy to get this saving. You can do it without changing your current electricity retailer.

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To take advantage of this offer, phone Aussie NRG on: 1300 440 224; 0409 377 852; or email contactus@aussienrg.com

May 2017 - Edition 3

AUSSIE

NRG

25

INDUSTRY NEWS WESTERN AUSTRALIA

IGA Como – Preston Fresh: refurbished and repositioned 12 months ago IGA Como WA store owner, Pierre Sequira and Group General Manager, Ashley Cranenburg, embarked upon a substantial reinvestment program to completely refurbish and refresh Como’s IGA supermarket. Known as the Preston Street Community Supermarket, this local supermarket has been operating and serving locals for 28 years.

Growing competition continues to challenge the independent supermarket sector in WA particularly from new entrant Aldi and the two chains, Coles and Woolworths. Even though the store was trading well, Pierre and Ashley decided that to be sustainable and viable into the future they had to provide their local loyal customers an improved and better shopping experience.

This store was completely gutted in a number of stages to increase and optimise fresh and grocery selling space. The total trading area of this store is now 550 square metres. The cash office and staff amenities were moved to an 80 square metre space above the store, the fresh produce area was opened up to 70 square metres, allowing for a greater range of locally

grown loose and pre-packaged fresh fruit and vegetables.

crispy, soft, sour dough, rye and plain bread types for all occasions.

To minimise shopper inconvenience and disruption, the refurbishment was carried out every evening from 10pm to 5am to a careful plan. 38 bays of groceries were moved and relayed, as well as, chilled and frozen refrigerators upgraded over the course of the refurbishment. As a consequence, the product range has improved with more than 15,000 SKUs stocked in this store.

The deli counter itself has been dedicated to providing exquisite home cooked “meals to go”, all prepared by a qualified in-house chef. “Meals to go” change every day and comprise of freshly prepared lamb, pork, red meat and chicken dishes as well as vegetarian meals to suit a wide range of consumer tastes.

Prepared meals alone are up 15% in sales.

Since the refurbishment was completed, this store now boasts an impressive 45% – 47% fresh mix of sales. This is testimony to understanding local customer needs – they want fresh produce of the highest quality available on a day to day basis.

This is something Aldi and the chains cannot do well!

The delicatessen area has been expanded with low profile island refrigerated cases located in front of the deli carrying a myriad of local and imported cheeses, hams, dips and small goods.

Sales in the custom built fresh bread section have sky rocketed as it now promotes a number of varieties of popular

This refurbishment has impressed customers, it has greatly improved the shop ability of the store and as a consequence sales have lifted in excess of 10%, particularly fresh food sales, the basket size is up 3% and the customer count is up by 5%. This store has now officially repositioned itself as the local fresh and fine foods store and has rebranded itself as Preston Street – the logo has the letters PS inside an apple.

This is testimony to the value customers see in independent supermarket store owners investing back into their businesses, to offer them a better shopping experience. Congratulations Pierre Sequira and family and Ashley Cranenburg!

www.mga.asn.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Need assistance to help operate your business safely and effectively?

MGA Independent Retailers is your specific industry organisation and national voice.

MGA is focused on saving our members money and providing benefits and value by taking care of your “back of

house” and allowing you to focus on making sales and delighting your customers.

MGA services include:

Call 1800 888 479

LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL REPRESENTATION

AGREEMENTS

Unfair dismissals, general protections, discrimination, wage claims

Drafting agreements for your store

AWARDS

REDUNDANCY

Award terms and conditions, wage rates

Legal obligations and employee entitlements

HEALTH & SAFETY Providing guidance for injured workers

TRANSFER OF BUSINESS Managing transfer/ transtition of employees

HUMAN RESOURCES

RECRUITMENT Interview guidance

ABSENTEEISM Lengthy/frequent absences, abandonment of position WORKPLACE POLICIES Specifically designed for the retail industry

CONTRACTS Terms and conditions of employment

PERFORMANCE Improving workplace performance and conduct

DISCIPLINARY ACTION Legal process for termination

Competition law reform passes through Lower House Changes to competition laws will see the introduction of the effects test proposed by Professor Ian Harper in his extensive review.

Treasurer Scott Morrison says the legislation – together with reforms to the misuse of market power provision, which are already before Parliament – moves towards the Government’s aim of stronger competition in our markets to improve the long-term welfare of consumers, businesses and ultimately the economy.

“Consumers will benefit from greater choice and the availability of the bestquality goods and services at the lowest

May 2017 - Edition 3

prices,” he said. “Businesses will benefit from a competitive environment in which new and innovative firms can enter existing markets, and new markets are created. The Australian economy will benefit from the introduction of new technologies into Australia, and more agile local firms that are better able to compete in international markets.”

Master Grocers Australia CEO Jos de Bruin says the reform measures being proposed by the federal government will help establish a “level playing field”.

“Many larger businesses have been able to use their market power to engage in anti-competitive policies and practices,”

he said. “The amendment to Section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act will provide stronger laws that will deter anti-competitive conduct and provide sustainability for small businesses.”

The bill successfully passed through the Lower House in early April and is set to face the Senate. Mr de Bruin says he hopes the journey ahead is smooth.

“We know there will be some hurdles to overcome, but we hope that a majority of senators will recognise that the proposed changes will result in efficiency, innovation and healthy competition, enabling all Australians to benefit from the reforms,” he said.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Government reduces company tax rate MGA has long been advocating on behalf of members for a cut to company tax rates to free up cash resources to spend back into their businesses and employ more people. MGA also communicated that the threshold needed to be $50m in sales so as to capture a greater number of MGA members.

Companies with a turnover of less than $10 million a year will receive a reduction in their tax rate to 27.5% this financial year. The government has also extended small business tax concessions, like the $20,000 instant asset write off and simpler BAS reporting, to all businesses with turnover less than $10 million.

After much debate in March 2017, the Turnbull government successfully delivered the first phase of muchneeded tax cuts for small and medium businesses.

All incorporated small and medium businesses with turnovers of less than $50 million a year will get a tax cut to 27.5% over the next three years.

More than 3.2 million businesses across Australia, including most MGA members, will benefit, giving them the confidence to invest more, employ more staff and pay higher wages.

It is envisaged that once fully implemented, the new tax policy will permanently increase the size of the economy by 1.2 per cent of GDP – estimated to be more than $17 billion in today’s dollars every single year.

Nationally, the tax cuts will put $5.2 billion back into the hands of small and medium sized businesses.

The government has also recently taken further action to make sure multinational companies pay their fair share of tax,

ensuring the tax paid by small and medium enterprises is as low as possible. MGA congratulates the coalition government and also thanks the cross benchers and Senator Nick Xenophon and his party for getting this important positive legislation through the parliament.

MGA thanks the Turnbull government for working hard to provide the right conditions for business investment, as this is what Australia needs in order to grow jobs, support wage growth and maintain our standard of living in an increasingly globally competitive world.

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Source: Retail World Editor

www.mga.asn.au

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LEGAL AND HR

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

CHQ CHQ

SAV SAV

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

May 2017 - Edition 3

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LEGAL AND HR

LEGAL AND HR Penalty rates – the debate continues Retailers have been fighting for reduced Sunday penalty rates for many years and earlier this year, as most people would be aware, retailers were finally successful. However, that glimmer of hope for immediate dramatic changes to the General Retail Industry award and other awards has not been extinguished, but it has been dimmed. There is no doubt that there will be an appeal against reduced Sunday penalties and that means a stay of the decision, which will incur further costs for all. However, having come this far and achieved a successful outcome any thought of not fighting on should not be considered. The evidence in favour of reducing penalties has been strong and our advocacy has been robust, so the battle should, and will go on.

In addition to the Sunday penalties application there is also currently another penalty rates matter before the Fair Work Commission and that is a claim to increase the penalty and

loading for casual employees who work on weekday evenings, from 125% to 150%, and on Saturday from 135% to 150%.

There will be a strong opposition to these proposed increases by employers.

Whilst we wait to see what transpires in the appeal against the Sunday penalty rates decision the Fair Work Commission is asking employers to consider how the impact of these reduced penalty rates on employees might be mitigated and what might be the effect of using Take Home Pay orders, that is if the Australian Government decides not to change the law in respect of their application.

It is anticipated that we will see some more definitive steps being taken in the next few weeks in these penalties rates issues and the updates on these issues will be made as they become available.

www.mga.asn.au

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LEGAL AND HR

Social media, the employer and the employee Employers need to make their employees aware of how entwined their lives are with their place of work when they exchange conversations via social media. Work plays a major part in our lives and we tend to talk about work to each other and share various experiences. Most of the banter that goes on is purely conversational and harmless however, it can become difficult when unfavourable comments are made about a co-worker or remarks are made about the workplace.

Social media can often become a vehicle for bullying a workplace

colleague. Personal remarks that are hurtful or aggressive, with specific reference to the workplace, can be destabilising for vulnerable employees. If this occurs there is an obligation on an employer to investigate such a matter and try to resolve it as quickly as possible.

Comments made about the employer’s business that could have the effect of bringing the business into disrepute should not be tolerated and should be dealt with promptly.

The fact of any adverse comments

about a business being made public could have serious consequences for an employee.

It is most important that employees are made fully aware of their obligations to other employees and to their employer if they engage in social media conversations related to work. Having a social media policy is advisable and MGA can assist members if they require a copy. It is also important to re-issue the policy from time to time to remind staff of their obligations.

How to get ahead of the superannuation changes in 2017 Australians are being urged to get on top of sweeping super changes and take advantage of saving opportunities before major reforms come into effect on 1 July.

ability to claim a personal deduction for contributions as an employee. That change alone, could mean thousands of dollars in benefit for investors.”

“Not since 2007 has the superannuation industry seen so many changes.

Ms Dale also encouraged younger superannuants to get on top of the changes.

“Some of these changes will have significant implications for investors, so it’s important that they have a good read about how these amendments will impact on them,’’ said NAB head of SMSF, Gemma Dale.

“For example, investors who are intending to retire in the next few years and don’t take advantage of the current contribution caps could be prevented from contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to super, which could mean they miss out on the benefit of receiving a tax-effective retirement income on these amounts.

“Equally, there are some great opportunities for people to take advantage of from 1 July, such as the

•

•

• “Younger people sometimes think that super changes don’t really impact them because they are so far away from retirement, but things like the ability to claim a personal deduction, the carry forward of unused concessional caps and the higher spouse contributions could mean many thousands of tax-advantaged savings for those who take advantage,’’ she said.

•

•

• Top big superannuation changes coming into effect in 2017: • Introduction of $1.6m cap on pension amounts • Reduced concessional (pre-tax) contributions cap to $25,000pa • Reduced non-concessional (after tax)

contributions cap to $100,000pa Prohibition on making non-concessional contributions for those with more than $1.6m in super/pension Reduced threshold for increased super contributions tax ($300k to $250k) Catch up contributions caps for those with broken work history or irregular income patterns Removal of 10% test (so employees can claim a deduction for personal contributions without having to salary sacrifice) Increased income threshold for receiving spouse when claiming tax rebate on spouse contributions from $13,800 to $40,000 Removing the tax free status of transition to retirement pensions

For more hot topics, latest trends and expert opinions from respected commentators and leaders of Australian businesses, visit nab.com.au/insights.

This article first appeared on nab.com.au. Any advice in this publication is of a general nature and has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Please seek personal advice prior to acting on this information.

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LEGAL AND HR

Keeping the records straight We have stressed the importance of paying the correct wages to employees many times in the past and of course we continue to stress that point. It is also equally important to make sure that you fulfil all your record keeping obligations as well.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has the authority to inspect your records at any time to ensure that wages and payslips and all details of payments dues to employees are maintained. An audit of your business does not necessarily mean that you have done anything wrong but it is a mechanism that is used to make sure there is total compliance by all employers.

Your record keeping obligations are as follows: • be in a form that is readily accessible to a Fair Work inspector • be in a legible form and in English (preferably in plain, simple English) • be kept for seven years • not be altered unless for the purposes of correcting an error • not be false or misleading to the employer’s knowledge.

You are also required to keep general records which include: • the name and ABN of the employer • the name of the employee • whether the employee is full time or part time • whether the employee is permanent, temporary or casual • the date the employee commenced employment • with respect to termination, whether the termination was by consent or by notice or summarily or, in some other manner, and the name of the person who acted to terminate the employment.

In addition you must keep pay records as follows: • the rate of pay paid to the employee • the gross and net amounts paid and any deductions from the gross amount • the details of any incentive-based payment, bonus, loading, penalty rate, or other monetary allowance or separately identifiable entitlement paid.

And remember that you are required to record hours of work: • in the case of a casual or irregular part-time employee who is guaranteed a pay rate set by reference to time worked, a record of the hours worked by that employee • for any other type of employee, the record must specify the number of overtime hours worked each day, or when the employee started and finished working overtime hours (but only if a penalty rate or loading must be paid for overtime hours actually worked) • a copy of the written agreement if the employer and employee have agreed to the employee taking time off instead of being paid for overtime worked • a copy of the written agreement if the employer and employee have agreed to an averaging of the employee’s work hours.

Maintain your leave records If an employee is entitled to leave, the record must include both: • leave taken, if any

Minimising fraud and chargebacks Fraud can be a serious problem for many retailers that can have a substantial financial impact on your business.

Many retailers are simply unaware how to minimise the risks of fraud. More importantly, retailers may be unaware of the processes involved with a customer chargeback.

What happens if a credit payment is fraudulent?

If a credit card payment turns out to be fraudulent, the bank can charge the amount back to you. In these circumstances your business can be out of pocket more than the value of the original sale. Depending on who you bank with, high levels of fraud and chargebacks can also put the future of your merchant

May 2017 - Edition 3

facility in jeopardy. You can be charged with penalties from the Card Schemes and in some situations your Merchant Agreement may be terminated.

What can you do to help deter fraud in your business?

There are many things that retailers can do to stop fraud from occurring in their business. The most important is to be mindful of the length of time the customer is taking to use the terminal. If you notice someone taking too long to process their pin it may be that a customer is processing the payment manually. Manual transactions are used to void entering a pin number. Under no circumstances is a transaction to be processed as a manual transaction. Banks will not compensate

businesses for manual transactions that are processed.

Other ways you can help deter fraud is to not let anyone remove or service your terminal unless you have been provided with strict instructions from your bank.

The technician who services your terminal must provide proper identification. If you are still unsure if they are a legitimate representative, you should always call your bank to check before you provide them access.

It is easy to become complacent when a customer makes legitimate purchases, but it pays to be vigilant of any unusually lengthy period when the person is providing details into the terminal.

LEGAL AND HR

•

the balance of the employee’s entitlement to that leave from time to time.

Any agreements to cash out leave or leave in advance must also be kept as a record.

Make sure that all superannuation that is due is paid on the required date If the employer is required to make superannuation contributions for the benefit of the employee, the record must include all of the following: • the amount of the contributions made • the dates and periods on which each contribution was made • the name of any fund to which a contribution was made • the basis on which the employer became liable to make the contribution, including a record of any election made by the employee (including the date) to have their superannuation contributions paid into a particular fund.

Check that your pay slips are compliant The pay slip must be given to an

employee within one day of the payment (either in electronic or hard copy) and must contain the following: • the employer’s name and ABN • the employee’s name and classification • the date of payment • the pay period to which the payment relates • date of payment • if the employee is paid at an hourly rate, the: • o rdinary hourly rate • n umber of hours in that period for which the employee was employed at that rate • t he amount of the payment at that rate (It should be noted that even if the employee is not paid an hourly rate the pay slip needs to show what the equivalent hourly rate would be) • gross amount of the payment • net amount of the payment • details of any extra payment such as allowances or penalty rates and details of any deductions • if superannuation payments are to be made, the amount of the contribution

•

33

and the name of the superannuation fund into which the contribution is to be paid the sick leave and annual leave that the employee has accrued to date.

Confidentiality and workplace inspectors Employee records are private and confidential. Generally, no one can access them other than the employee, their employer, and relevant payroll staff. Employers must make copies of an employee’s records available at the request of an employee or former employee.

However, Fair Work Inspectors and organisation officials (such as a trade union) may access employee records (including personal information) to determine if there has been a contravention of relevant Commonwealth workplace laws.

It is important to maintain your records and provide completed pay slips as there are hefty penalties for non-compliance with the regulations.

Terminating an enterprise agreement Most employers operate their retail businesses under the General Retail Industry Award (GRA) but many employers also choose to operate under their own specific enterprise agreement. These agreements are negotiated between the employer and the employees. The law requires that the employees are “better off” than they would have been under the award. This rule has been in force since 2010 when the Fair Work Act was introduced.

However, many retailers had made agreements prior to 2010 and those agreements have expired but in many cases have not been terminated. These “older agreements” did not need to meet the “better off overall test” and consequently the terms and conditions are less than the current award. It is not unlawful to operate the business under an expired agreement but that agreement may be easily terminated by any employee who is subject to the agreement, and chooses to make such an application to the Fair Work Commission (FWC).

The number of applications being made to terminate older long

standing agreements in the FWC is increasing and any employer who has an expired agreement should be aware of the possibility that an application will be made to end the agreement in their business in the future. In most cases the employer will revert to the GRA and often this means an increase in penalty rates for employees. Alternatively, the employer may choose to make a new agreement, keeping in mind that the new agreement will generally require higher penalty rates than previously under the old agreement.

Any employer who currently operates the business under an expired agreement should be aware of the steps that may be taken by any employee. The employer may be served with an application that has been lodged in the FWC to end the agreement. Alternatively an employer may consider making their own an application to terminate an agreement that is past its expiry date. MGA can assist members to terminate an agreement or alternatively assist a member in the event that an application to terminate is made by an employee.

www.mga.asn.au

34

INDUSTRY NEWS

A clubhouse favourite, this Session Ale is brewed to have the perfect balance of character and consistency, making it a solid addition to any line-up. Boasting 3 types of hops, including the sure-footed Australian flavours of Super Pride, the citrus spin of Cascade, plus our signature Amarillo hops added late for balance, this refreshing ale will keep you anchored at the crease all afternoon, from first drinks to tea.

to order session ale Please contact your ASAHI PREMIUM BEVERAGES Representative or contact 1800 090 378. to learn more, head to www.cricketersarmsbeer.com.au May 2017 - Edition 3

LIQUOR NEWS

35

LIQUOR NEWS MGAL meets Victorian Shadow Minister for Energy and Innovation and Shadow Minister for Small Business MGA Liquor President George Kovits, MGAL committee member Tony Bongiovanni and MGA CEO Jos de Bruin met with Shadow Ministers David Southwick (Energy and Innovation) and Neale Burgess (Small Business) in the Victorian Parliament dining room in early March 2017.

MGAL meets with Shadow Ministers David Southwick (Energy and Innovation) and Neale Burgess (Small Business)

The purpose of meeting with both shadow ministers was to assist the opposition party with Victorian liquor and grocery information and insights for their use to develop policies for growth for our industry sector. Both shadow ministers acknowledged the huge role

family enterprises and privately owned businesses play within the Victorian economy and as such are looking for ideas to assist these businesses to improve, grow and operate profitably.

Both shadow ministers also acknowledged the incredible challenges we have in meeting increased costs for energy, to power our lights, refrigeration and point of sale systems not to mention the costs associated with the additional 2 public holidays (AFL Grand Final Eve and Easter Sunday) forced upon MGA members by the current government.

NEW SOUTH WALES

NSW Government announces the Hon. Paul Toole as new Liquor and Gaming Minister As the country MP for Bathurst and former mayor, Minister Toole has expressed his strong support for the hospitality industries and the vital role they play in local communities.

Minister Toole has stated that his first task is to “oversee the Government’s package of liquor reforms announced last December”.

Mr Toole supports the lifting of the 10.00pm packaged liquor sales curfew to 11.00pm and sees it as “a common sense move which is particularly benefiting rural and regional communities”.

Further reforms announced in December are expected to go before parliament soon.

These include major changes to the Three

Strikes disciplinary scheme whereby strikes will be attached to individual licensees rather than businesses.

This will mean new owners and operators of a venue are not stuck with strikes incurred by the previous management.

The Government will continue to address alcohol-related violence wherever it occurs and work to improving public safety in and around all licensed venues and night-time entertainment precincts.

Minister Toole reiterated that “Government will be guided by the evidence as we fine-tune liquor regulations and that his door is always open to the industry”.

MGA Liquor looks forward to working with the Minister and his department,

Hon. Paul Toole to ensure that the best interests of our members are taken into account when any changes to liquor licensing are being considered.

www.mga.asn.au

36

LIQUOR NEWS

May 2017 - Edition 3

LIQUOR NEWS

37

38

LIQUOR NEWS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Donna Hall with manager Richard Orton

Cellarbrations Baldivis South – greenfield development A sparkling newly built 190 square metre Cellarbrations liquor store opened in the Baldivas South local shopping centre.

Investors and supermarket owners; Pat Rock, Rob Halvorsen and Claude Koenig officially opened their store on the 20th March 2017. Conveniently located for public access, this store is actually a department of the newly opened IGA supermarket which is adjacent to this store.

wines, as well as red wines and a great range of chilled and ambient local, Australian and imported beers. The store is light filled with energy efficient LED lighting and refrigeration, with “timber look” noiseless floors.

Managed by Richard Orton and staffed by Donna Hall, this liquor store boasts a large coolroom for beer, wines and RTD’s, 2 freezer doors for ice sales and an extensive range of local, Australian and imported chilled and ambient white and sparkling

Congratulations to the owners and operators of this very fine independent liquor store, it is destined to more than adequately fulfil the needs and wants of the local Baldivas South community in WA.

May 2017 - Edition 3

This store has already become famous for stocking a very large range of local WA white and red wines, ciders and beers.

39

LIQUOR NEWS SOUTH AUSTRALIA

National win for SA grape growers South Australian vineyard owners have been recognised on a national stage for their commitment to wine industry biosecurity.

Vinehealth Australia (formerly the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board of SA) received a 2017 Australian Biosecurity Industry Award in Canberra on Tuesday 7th March 2017, presented by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

The award recognises the group’s significant contribution to maintaining Australia’s wine industry biosecurity integrity.

“It’s a fantastic win for Vinehealth Australia, but really this is a win for South Australian vineyard owners,” said Vinehealth Australia CEO Inca Pearce, who accepted the award in Canberra.

“The award celebrates the commitment and vision of growers in South Australia to establish the Phylloxera Act under which we operate. And it demonstrates their continued commitment to supporting it 117 years later.

“However, this award also serves as a timely reminder that we must not be complacent – we all need to play our part to prevent an incursion, especially in light of the increasingly complex biosecurity landscape.”

will continue to provide an important focus on vine health, biosecurity and awareness of threats to the Australian wine industry, which contributes $40.2 billion in gross output to the Australian economy,” Roseanne said.

“The award is also an acknowledgement of the positive difference made by South Australian growers who have funded Vinehealth Australia over many years and those who have given their time and expertise to serve on its board.”

Lynn O’ Connell, Deputy Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Water Resources and Inca Pearce, Vinehealth Australian CEO

Vinehealth Australia is committed to minimising the risk of pests and diseases (particularly phylloxera) in South Australian vineyards.

For more information about vineyard biosecurity visit http://www.vinehealth.com.au/ MEDIA RELEASE – VINEHEALTH AUSTRALIA: 8 March 2017

Chair of Barossa Grape & Wine Association, Linda Bowes, nominated Vinehealth Australia for the win. She says Vinehealth Australia has provided immeasurable value to the wine industry with an unbroken 117-year focus on vine biosecurity.

“Vinehealth Australia has been a silent achiever and protector of viticulture in South Australia since 1899 and has played a most significant role in the enviable high health reputation of Australian viticulture,” Linda said.

“Of course, a key achievement of Vinehealth Australia is that South Australia continues to be free of phylloxera.

Today, free trade economics allows greater import freedom and increasing numbers of travellers are visiting Australian regions. The risk of pest and disease incursion is heightened across all agricultural sectors.

“Vinehealth Australia continues the vital role of specifically protecting the wine industry’s biosecurity interests though a range of important projects such as up-to-date vineyard register data and mapping, industry education, actionable vigilance and emergency response preparedness.”

Vinehealth Australia chair Roseanne Healy, who also attended the awards, said the organisation has a proud history in South Australia.

“Vinehealth Australia’s stability through industry funding and leadership and its ‘ownership’ by vineyard owners mean that it

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

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

www.mga.asn.au

40

LIQUOR NEWS

Canberra stores IGA + Local Liquor Nicholls, Drakeford and Deakin For over 45 years the Karkazis family has been synonymous with liquor and grocery retailing in the ACT. Originally commencing with their father George opening a grocery store in the 1970s, the family, through the two brothers Terry and Peter, have gone on to operate three IGA/Local Liquor stores.

Peter sits on the Board of Independent Liquor Retail (ILR) and serves as a committee member representing independent ACT retailers with MGA Liquor. Terry is a NSW/ACT IGA state board committee member.

Peter, how and when did your family become involved in the retail market?

We are second generation retailers. Our Dad was involved in supermarkets from the 70s for 30 years. My brothers and I grew up working in the family business until we finished our uni degrees, then we bought our own store in 2000. Soon after that Dad sold his store and retired.

Tell us about yourself and other family members involved in the business, and what is the vision for your business?

We started our first store as three brothers and a partner. After 7 years in that partnership our directions changed so we decided to split the partnership.

Terry and I carried on in our own store – IGA Nicholls Local Liquor. We saw an opportunity to diversify our business further and set up a new store in Kambah called IGA Drakeford Local Liquor. This was a big project which involved a lot of planning and constructing and training of staff while still running our Nicholls store.

We built a store that utilised the space and design to create efficiencies across the business. Our electricity costs are half of what our other store pays because of the use of the best equipment and technology available. Since then we bought into our third store in Canberra’s inner south, IGA Deakin Local Liquor. Our Deakin store is where we plan to showcase our abilities and tailor our store to satisfy the needs of our customers.

How has liquor retailing evolved in your market?

Over the years liquor retailing has become extremely competitive. 20 years ago it was a market that the independent retailer thrived in and could promote good value as well as new lines and brands to customers and was very much a space that was dominated by the independent. Ever since the introduction of the “big box” retailer it has dramatically changed the market place with the emphasis being on high volume sales. Independent retailers today work harder and smarter than they have ever needed before. In a way it has made us better retailers, as we are more resourceful and much faster to adapt to changes in the marketplace, whether it is looking at different supply options or simply moving into trends faster than the competition.

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

The independent liquor retail sector will always exist as only we can tailor our stores to the specific needs of the customer within our individual areas.

The Karkazis brothers Terry and Peter and Peter’s Son George

May 2017 - Edition 3

How important is store branding, and what role should wholesalers play in the market?

Store branding is very important as it can

instantly communicate to your customer who and what you are. It readily identifies what your value proposition and range will be within the store. This of course is dependent on the offer in store being on par with the marketing message associated with the brand.

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

Online shopping is a natural evolution of how our customer wants to shop and it has its place in the market. I see it continuing to grow over time to a certain point but it has its limitations especially because most of it is based on lowest delivered price. The future will be a mix of physical as well as virtual shopping.

Nothing beats the experience and interest that can be created in a store and this is why it will always be part of the mix.

What are your views on government changes and intervention to liquor licensing laws & what impact, if any, do these changes have on your business?

Government changes to liquor licensing can be extremely influential on our sector. Enjoying beer, wine and spirits responsibly, is an integral part of our Australian culture. This is why ongoing conversation with all governments from local to federal needs to continue, to ensure we have a prosperous and viable industry in the future whilst responsibly addressing the community needs.

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

More evidence based research needs to be conducted to provide more accurate data, so that the correct harm

41

LIQUOR NEWS

Roy Morgan “The Australian alcohol retail market in review” Report On the 20th March Roy Morgan Research released its latest Alcohol Retail Currency Report. The report found that of the $14.5 billion Australians spent at retail packaged liquor stores in 2016, almost threequarters of this spend went to supermarket affiliated retailers, with independent stores and hotel bottle shops trailing well behind.

The report reveals that supermarket-owned chains now account for 72.3 per cent of the total Australian off-premise alcohol retail market, of that Woolworths’ Dan Murphy accounts for 30 per cent up from 25.4 per cent in 2015, Dan Murphy’s continued market share increase further highlights the market share decline of BWS. minimisation outcomes are achieved by industry and government authorities.

How important is it to you to be a member of an employer organisation and how beneficial is membership to your business?

Representation across all areas from an organisation that represents independents only means I can focus on running my business without having to find the resources to deal with everything else that is thrown at me. The core benefit of being a member of MGA is the HR and legal support that is given. It is irreplaceable.

I always know I can call MGA on any HR matter without having to worry about the costs of legal bills for solicitors, etc. The other benefits are also important as the MGAL represents me and my needs as an independent retailer in all of its dealings.

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

Locally, I would ask them to remove more red tape for independent operators and move to a fairer and balanced fee system to all licensees. Nationally, I would ask them to address the core issues of the responsible consumption of alcohol and set up more long term programs to move us to a culture where we can all enjoy alcohol responsibly as part of our lives.

Coles First Choice grew its market share from 4.5 per cent to 5.0 per cent, whilst Liquorland and Vintage Cellars both recorded decline.

Combined supermarket chains such as Dan Murphy, BWS, First Choice and Liquorland had sales of $9.3 billion, Aldi $0.5 billion, IGA & independent grocery stores $0.6 billion, independent bannered hotel bottle shops $1.8 billion, independent bannered retailers $1.5 billion, wine clubs $0.7 billion and duty free stores $0.1 billion.

Norman Morris, Industry Communications Director, Roy Morgan Research, went on to say: “The latest Roy Morgan Alcohol Retail Currency report reveals that supermarket-owned retailers continue to lead the liquor market, with Woolworths -owned Dan Murphy in particular maintaining (and building on) its dominant market status.

“For independents, hotel bottle shops and less mainstream supermarket chains wishing to remain competitive, it is essential to understand what it is about Dan Murphy that attracts such a large (and growing) share of the market and to do what they can to emulate these qualities. For example, Roy Morgan data shows that people usually shopping at Dan Murphy place above-average importance on a good range and a well laid-out store where it is easy to find what they are looking for.

At the same time, they enjoy having a good look around liquor stores, suggesting a willingness to browse rather than just zone in on what they came for and then get out fast.

Additionally, the smaller retailers need to be aware what their existing customer’s value in a bottle shop – whether it’s being located close to other shopping spots (ALDI and IGA Liquor customers place great importance on this), low cost wine prices (noticeably more important for ALDI shoppers or good specials (a particular priority for First Choice customers) – and ensure that they continue to meet these expectations”.

The full release can be viewed here: www.roymorgan.com

www.mga.asn.au

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

43

LIQUOR NEWS VICTORIA

ALM Key Account & Supplier Golf Day On Tuesday, 28th March ALM held their annual Key Account & Supplier Golf Day at the Spring Valley Golf Club, which was a fantastic opportunity for key retailers and suppliers to engage in a relaxed environment.

The par 71 (6161m) Vern Morcom designed course is ranked 53 of the 100 best courses in Australia and is one of those underrated golf courses located

in the middle of the Melbourne premier Sandbelt region.

The weather was a brilliant and sunny 33 degrees and the twenty two groups enjoyed a four ball Ambrose competition on a magnificently presented course that challenged even the best of golfers.

Congratulations to the winners!

Gross Strokes

Team H’cap

Net Strokes

Gross +/-

Net +/-

66

10.000

56.000

-5

-15.000

66

9.750

56.250

-5

-14.750

67

10.375

56.625

-4

-14.375

Winning Team Vic Gervasi, Matt Nikakis, Chris Thomas

Runners Up Mich Henderson, Chris Leftley, Davis Schultz, Tim Sheppard

Third Place Nathan Box, Saldeen Fairoze, Peter Ferrari, Anthony Jacobs Nearest the Pin 10th

Dave Easton

Nearest the Pin 5th

Vic Gervasi

Nearest the Pin 3rd

Dale Brennan

Longest Drive 12th

Josh Oppy

Chipping Comp Putting Comp Runner Up Best Merchandised Supplier Hole

Robbie Ireland Evan Montgomery Olga Tozer Thatchers Cider

NEW SOUTH WALES

NSW annual liquor licence fee notices to be sent in April Liquor & Gaming NSW assessed all liquor licences on 15 March to determine what their annual liquor licence fee would be in 2017.

Following this assessment, liquor licence payment notices will be sent out in April via post and email.

If you have not received your fee payment notice in April, please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Every holder of a NSW liquor licence needs to pay an annual liquor licence fee. In 2017, the fee is calculated using the following model: • a base fee, plus • risk-based loadings (trading hours and compliance risk loadings) if applicable.

All liquor licensees will pay a base fee based on their licence type.

However, risk-based loadings only apply to some licensees such as late trading venues, and venues that have committed serious liquor law offences.

To estimate your annual liquor licence fee, use the Liquor & Gaming NSW online calculator.

For more information on the annual liquor licence scheme refer to our website.

If you need further assistance please call the MGA National help line on 1800 888 479.

www.mga.asn.au

KEEP AN EYE

OUT FOR OUR NEW COURSES Coming end of May!

Tobacco

Customer Service

Employment Law Seminars

Plus loads more!

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

45

TRAINING

TRAINING Employment law seminars Our employment law seminars range from a full day seminar that provides a “Master Class in Employment Law” covering all aspects of employment law to shorter half-day more specialised topics such as “Know your Award” or “Hiring and Firing.”

Our presenters are all qualified lawyers who have expertise in employment law

but we present our seminars in a nonlegalistic format. They cover every area of employment including awards and agreements, enterprise bargaining, discrimination, bullying, unfair dismissals, performance management, counselling and many other specific topics. Why not join us for one of our seminars that you will find both informative and beneficial for your business?

Course: Face to face Accredited: No Fee: Hiring & Firing and Know Your Award: Members: $150 or two for $250

Non-members: $250

Master Class: Members: $250 or two for $350

Non-members: $450

SEMINAR DATES: *Note: Minimum of 10 people for the courses to run.

Tuesday 23rd May 2017

Malvern, Victoria

9.30am – 4.30pm

Master Class in Employment Law

TBA

Perth, Western Australia

9.30am – 12.30pm 1.30pm – 4.30pm

Hiring & Firing + Know your Award

Thursday 8th June 2017

Hobart, Tasmania

9.30am – 4.30pm

Master Class in Employment Law

Thursday 29th June 2017

Sydney, New South Wales

9.30am – 4.30pm

Master Class in Employment Law

Thursday 10th August 2017

Brisbane, Queensland

9.30am – 4.30pm

Master Class in Employment Law

Safe work instructions Safe Work Instructions are a set of written instructions that identify the health and safety issues that may arise from use of the machinery and equipment or be based on a task or process.

The Safe Work Instructions do not replace the need for proper training. They may be used to supplement or guide the training process and provide reminders for staff on the correct operating and procedures for tasks throughout the business. SWIs assist in emphasising the importance of correct procedures to reduce any risk of harm to employees and the general public.

The instructions are in Word format which allows users to customise the instructions to suit your business. You may add specific information regarding a piece of equipment within the store. We do suggest that you don’t start removing any of the instructions.

The SWIs can be used over and over again to train staff and each of the SWIs have a training register where the staff can sign off saying that they have completed the training in that particular area. It also allows you to record the date that the staff member needs to refresh their knowledge. You will also have records to prove that you are conducting the training.

SAFE WORK INSTRUCTIONS AVAILABLE • Lift Platforms • Aggressive, Violent • Loading Bays or Abusive People • Manual Handling • Armed hold up • Medical Emergency • Bag Search • Mezzanine Safety • Bain Marie • Moving Pallets Manually • Band Saw • Pallet Jacks • Broken & Faulty • Rotisserie Equipment • Scissor Lift • Cardboard Bale Press • Stacking Milk Crates • Carton Cutter Safety • Suspected Shoplifting • Cash Handling • Transporting Cash • Cleaning Ovens • Trolley Collection • Cleaning up Spills • Using Knives Safely • Cleaning with Chemicals • Using Stairs • Cling Wrap Machine • Using Urns • Deli Slicer • Walk in Coolroom • Emergency Management and Freezer Evacuation • Walker Stacker Safety • Floor Cleaning • Waste Disposal Bins • Forklift Safety • Working with Shelves • Ladder Safety

SWIs can be purchased from our website – 1 to 9 = $15.00 each or >10 = $10.00 each.

www.mga.asn.au

46

TRAINING

NATIONAL ONLINE COURSES MGA delivers training and compliance solutions specific to the needs of independent retailers. We have a range of training and compliance solutions readily available for members. *Log in to our website with your member login to order your courses at these member prices.

Call us on 1800 888 479 if you need your log in details.

Responsible Service of Alcohol

X

This course deals with the skills and knowledge required to satisfy the requirements for responsible service of alcohol under state/territory legislation. All persons involved in the serving and sale of alcohol must complete this.

RSA – WA, QLD, SA, NT

RSA Refresher – ACT

RSA – ACT

RSA Face to Face – VIC

Duration: 3 hours Member Price: $45

Duration: 3-4 hours Member Price: $45

Food Safety Develop the knowledge and certification required to work in a food handling area.

BASIC FOOD HANDLING

FOOD SAFETY SUPERVISORS NSW

Duration: 20-30 minutes Member Price: $25

Duration: 4-8 hours Member Price: $150

FOOD SAFETY SUPERVISORS

FOOD SAFETY SUPERVISORS NSW REFRESHER

Duration: 4-8 hours Member Price: $105

May 2017 - Edition 3

Duration: 2-4 hours Member Price: $100

Duration: 1-2 hours Member Price: $30

Duration: 4 hours Member Price: $49/$75

47

TRAINING

Customer Service Ensure your staff have the skills and knowledge to build relationships with your customers, suppliers, fellow team members and management.

CUSTOMER SERVICE BASIC

Duration: 20-30 minutes Member Price: FREE

CUSTOMER SERVICE ADVANCED Duration: 45 minutes Member Price: $20

Tobacco Training This course covers information on the legal obligations for the sale and service of tobacco, non-tobacco smoking products, smoking accessories, e-cigarettes and e-cigarette accessories in each respective state/ territory. Training ensures your staff comply with Tobacco Retailing Laws – protecting your business.

STATE BASED TRAINING Duration: 30 minutes

Don’t forget to log in for your member discounts!

Visit www.mga.asn.au to see our range of training courses!

www.mga.asn.au

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