Industry News

Through our membership of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), MGA has supported a submission to the Fair Work Commission advocating for a simpler method of calculating vehicle allowances under the General Retail Industry Award (GRIA), following ongoing feedback from members about the administrative burden created by the current formula.

MGA has taken the concerns of independent retailers directly to Tasmania’s Parliament, securing a valuable opportunity to influence proposed illicit tobacco legislation before it was finalised.

The growing impact of Australia’s illicit tobacco trade was placed firmly under the spotlight during a recent Senate inquiry, with industry representatives, small business owners and retailers delivering compelling evidence about the damage being caused to legitimate businesses and local communities.

In April, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) issued a Fuel Cost Recovery Order for parts of the road transport industry in response to rising diesel prices linked to conflict in the Middle East. The order requires fuel cost increases to be passed through road transport contractual chains, helping ensure independent transport contractors are not left bearing escalating operating costs. 

The NSW Government has introduced new food waste requirements that may affect supermarkets and other food businesses across the state.

From 1 July 2026, some supermarkets may be required to separate food organics from general waste under the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) business rollout. Separate record-keeping obligations have also commenced for large supermarkets that donate food for human consumption.

The closure of native forestry operations in some states has not eliminated demand for native hardwood timber.

As supply increasingly shifts interstate and overseas, the industry is questioning why Australia is turning away from a renewable resource produced under some of the world’s strictest environmental standards.