MGA CEO, Martin Stirling, recently joined small-business peak body leaders from across Australia at a national roundtable in Sydney hosted by Energy Consumers Australia. The event brought together the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, the NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman, and other key stakeholders to discuss the energy challenges facing small businesses and the opportunities presented by the energy transition.

The transition involves changing how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed — aiming to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support climate goals. For small businesses and retailers, the energy transition can mean adapting to new technologies, managing changing energy costs, and accessing new energy solutions, all while navigating evolving government policies and regulations.

The roundtable aimed to address, how to identify and support businesses most in need, how to better engage them, and how to ensure small-business voices are heard by government and policymakers.

Martin highlighted the unique challenges faced by independent retailers, including rising energy costs and the need for clear, practical guidance on how to adapt to the changing energy landscape. MGA continues to advocate for solutions that deliver affordable, reliable energy and tailored advice to help our members navigate the transition. We are also meeting and consulting with key stakeholders, retailers, and manufacturers to ensure these discussions translate into practical, on-the-ground outcomes for retailers.