VIC liquor retailers: Updated mandatory signs now available
MGA was pleased to join SPAR retailers, suppliers and industry representatives on the Gold Coast recently for the 2026 SPAR Australia Trade Show and Gala Awards Dinner.
Held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre from 29–31 July, the annual event brought together retailers, suppliers, directors and staff from across the SPAR network to connect, share ideas, explore new products and initiatives, and celebrate excellence in independent retail.
MGA connects with retailers at the 2026 SPAR Australia Trade Show
MGA was pleased to join SPAR retailers, suppliers and industry representatives on the Gold Coast recently for the 2026 SPAR Australia Trade Show and Gala Awards Dinner.
Held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre from 29–31 July, the annual event brought together retailers, suppliers, directors and staff from across the SPAR network to connect, share ideas, explore new products and initiatives, and celebrate excellence in independent retail.
Congratulations to the team at Spano’s IGA Warwick – Metcash Expo 2026
The prestigious award celebrates excellence across customer service, store presentation, community engagement and business performance. It reflects the dedication and hard work of independent retailers who continue to deliver outstanding shopping experiences for their local communities.
Tasmania has introduced stronger illicit tobacco laws
The Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2026 introduces stronger penalties for prohibited smoking product offences, expanded enforcement powers, the ability to close premises involved in unlawful sales, and tighter controls on smoking product displays. The reforms also include stronger protections for children and young people and improved information-gathering powers for enforcement officers.
QLD Commission rejects Sunday trading for Woolworths Gordonvale
MGA welcomes the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission’s decision to refuse an application by the National Retail Association (which has since amalgamated into the Australian Retail Council) seeking to allow Woolworths’ Gordonvale store to trade on Sundays.
Half a Century at the Heart of Gisborne
For 50 years, Williamson’s Foodworks Gisborne has been much more than a supermarket. It has been a community meeting place, a supporter of local causes, an employer of generations of locals and, above all, a family business built on strong values and deep local connections.
This July, the Williamson family will celebrate a remarkable milestone as their Gisborne store marks 50 years of continuous service to the Macedon Ranges community.
Beyond CCTV : How AI is transforming retail security
Retail crime is changing. So too are the technologies helping retailers respond.
For years, CCTV has been an essential part of store security, capturing evidence after an incident has occurred. Today, artificial intelligence is taking that role a step further. From facial recognition and behaviour analysis to real-time alerts, a new generation of security technology is helping retailers identify potential risks earlier, respond more effectively to repeat offending and better protect their staff and customers.
Theft or Policy Breach? Why the Difference Matters
One of the more common themes currently coming through the MGA Advice Team involves employees taking or consuming products without following the store’s required purchasing process.
In many cases, the immediate reaction from managers is to describe the conduct as “theft” or “stealing”. However, a recent decision of the Fair Work Commission highlights why employers should proceed carefully before reaching that conclusion.
Getting the Decision Right: Redundancy or Performance Issue?
Managing an underperforming employee is one of the most challenging situations many employers face. When performance concerns continue, redundancy can sometimes appear to be the simpler or lower-risk option, particularly where performance issues have never been formally addressed or there are concerns about unfair dismissal claims.
Annualised Salaries: What Retailers Need to Know
Annualised salary arrangements continue to be a popular way to pay employees, but recent changes have increased the compliance obligations for employers.
