MGA calls for bipartisan action to shut down illicit tobacco black market
Master Grocers Australia has called for bipartisan action to dismantle Australia’s illicit tobacco market, following the Coalition’s announcement today of new measures targeting the illegal trade and the organised crime networks behind it. MGA CEO Martin Stirling said the announcement demonstrated growing recognition of the scale of Australia’s illicit tobacco crisis and its impact on […]
Urgent meeting to address dire black market booze threat
A local supermarket owner whose family business was targeted with an extortion attempt and ram-raid believed to be linked to the illicit tobacco wars fears more communities are at risk, with concerns organised crime groups are now turning to the increasingly dangerous illegal alcohol black market. Janet Proposch today joins industry leaders, police and illicit […]
Dire Warning as Black Market Booze Crime Mirrors Illicit Tobacco Turf Wars
Australia is on the cusp of a potentially deadly black market alcohol crisis, which mirrors the illicit tobacco turf wars that have engulfed local communities, Master Grocers Australia (MGA) has warned. MGA CEO Martin Stirling said community, staff and consumer safety are at risk, with increased arson attacks on bars and a drive-by shooting at […]
MGA Welcomes Victoria’s New Powers to Shut Down Illicit Tobacco Shops
Master Grocers Australia (MGA) welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement of new powers to shut down premises linked to illicit tobacco, saying the crackdown is needed to break a dangerous organised crime market operating in plain sight across Victoria. MGA CEO Martin Stirling said the reforms were an essential tool to disrupt rampant illicit trade harming […]
MGA welcomes tough new retail assault laws — urges swift enforcement
MGA welcomes tough new retail assault laws — urges swift enforcement Master Grocers Australia welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement of tougher laws and penalties targeting criminals that threaten or harm retail workers. The Victorian Government has announced that under the bill to be introduced to Parliament today, assaulting or threatening a customer-facing worker will carry […]
Extortion and Violent Crime in Retail Leaves Victoria in a Lawless State
MGA Independent Businesses Australia has condemned the violent ram raid on the Friendly Grocer store in Longwarry in regional Victoria, warning that independent retailers are facing an unprecedented escalation in organised crime activity. Emboldened criminal enterprises, funded through a flourishing illicit tobacco market, are now attempting to extort safety payments from small family run businesses.
Shocking Violence at Family Stores: MGA Demand Government Action Before More Are Hurt
The violent storming of several independent supermarkets by armed youths this week has once again exposed the terrifying reality faced by retailers, staff, and shoppers alike — and Master Grocers Australia (MGA) is demanding urgent, coordinated government action before more lives are endangered.
MGA Independent Retailers Appoints Martin Stirling as New CEO
MGA Independent Retailers Appoints Martin Stirling as New CEO MGA Independent Businesses Australia has today announced the appointment of Martin Stirling as its new Chief Executive Officer. Martin has been part of MGA Independent Businesses Australia’s (MGA) leadership team for the past 2.5 years, serving as Director of Legal Services. During this time, he has […]
Small Businesses Must Be an Election Priority
Small businesses power Australia’s economy — and as campaigning draws near to the end, support for the sector must be a Federal Election priority. MGA Independent Businesses Australia (MGA), representing independent retailers nationwide, is calling on all major parties to act on the key challenges impacting small businesses across urban, rural and regional communities. Our […]
MGA Independent Businesses Australia Statement on the Tragic Death of Local Grocer
Darwin, NT – It is with profound sadness that we learn of the tragic loss of a 71-year-old store owner from the Friendly Grocer in Nightcliffe, Northern Territory, who died yesterday as a result of a fatal stabbing after confronting a shoplifter. Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and community touched by […]
