The MGA’s Liquor: The Next Illicit Market – Lessons from Tobacco. brought together retailers, suppliers, law enforcement representatives and illicit trade experts to examine one of the most pressing emerging threats facing the independent retail sector.
The forum covered the warning signs of illicit alcohol markets, how organised crime evolves and spreads into new industries, firsthand retailer experiences of organised retail crime, enforcement insights and policy recommendations, and what the industry can do now before the problem becomes entrenched.
Couldn’t join us on the day? Watch the full session recordings below.
Introduction – Presented by Martin Stirling, CEO of MGA
Rohan Pike – Illicit trade expert on how criminal markets evolve and what’s coming next for liquor.
Janet Proposch – Longwarry Friendly Grocer on the real cost of organised crime hitting her family’s business.
Mary Aldred MP – Federal Member for Monash on the policy response to Australia’s illicit tobacco and liquor crisis.
Closing Remarks – Martin Stirling, CEO of MGA wraps up with key takeaways and a call to action.
Panel Discussion – Hosted by Tony Ingpen, with Rohan Pike, Janet Proposch and Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Victoria Police.
Q&A – Retailers, insurers and industry stakeholders put their questions to the panel.
Recent Media Coverage
MGA’s advocacy on illicit liquor has generated significant media attention. Below is a selection of coverage either prompted by the Illicit Liquor Forum or featuring MGA’s voice on the illicit trade issue.
Your stories help drive change.
If you or your team have experienced retail crime, aggression or unsafe behaviour in your store, we encourage you to share your experience confidentially.
Your insights help us:
- demonstrate the real impact on small and family businesses
- strengthen our advocacy to government and policymakers
- shape future initiatives and support for members
