THE Australian Government has acted on concerns raised by farmers about supply chain transparency during the consultation phase of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.

Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, said the white paper would commit $11.4 million to establish an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Commissioner dedicated to agriculture as well as supporting capability at the ACCC concerned with agriculture supply chain issues.

"Many stakeholders were concerned with the lack of transparency in supply chains and the anti competitive distortions that can result—all too often to the detriment of our farmers," Minister Joyce said.

"The new Commissioner, combined with the new dedicated agricultural-focus of the ACCC, will give the ACCC additional agricultural skills and knowledge to address the concerns of farmers.

"These new resources will enable ACCC staff to attend the saleyards or visit farmers to see the market in action and gather necessary evidence.

"On top of these measures the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper will deliver $13.8 million to arm farmers with knowledge and materials on alternative business models like cooperatives and collective bargaining.

"Knowledge is power. A strong supply chain advocate, proactive ACCC investigations and information on alternative business structures will go a long way to reducing farmers' vulnerability to the market power that can be wielded by large processors or retail chains.

"These measures, combined with work this government already has in train through our forthcoming response to the Competition Policy Review; the current review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct; and the establishment of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, show we are serious about ensuring our farmers get a fair deal for their efforts.

"I am proud to deliver measures that go to one of the core themes we heard throughout the 18 month consultation that attracted 1000 submissions and involved face–to–face meetings with 1100 people."

The White Paper is available at agwhitepaper.agriculture.gov.au.

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VICTORIA'S tourism sector is disappointed that a compromise was not reached to continue with an innovative project in Mornington Peninsula’s Point Nepean site, following the State Government’s decision to walk away from an agreement with the private sector.

“The plan centred on the Quarantine Station part of this National Park and entailed a sustainable development that was sensitive to the local environment. Its focus was to preserve the integrity of the site’s natural and cultural heritage and to create more access for people to experience this wonderful place. However the failure to reach a compromise means the state is delayed in realising the benefits of sustainable tourism,” said Victoria Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

“Public private partnerships are vital to the growth and prosperity of our sector. Point Nepean is a significant cultural and heritage site and the private sector was positive about working with government on a great project for Victoria.

“The State Government has turned its back on this Point Nepean development, which has the potential to diminish private sector confidence in investing in Victorian tourism projects.

“Our industry saw this as a litmus test for future developments and there is now concern regarding investment in innovative, job creating new tourism projects in Victoria.” 

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events industry, providing one united industry voice.

Tourism and events are growth industries for Victoria and contribute $19.6 billion to the state economy each year and employ more than 200,000 people.

vtic.com.au

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CONTINUED growth in Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) May 2015 retail trade figures released today indicate the strength of Australian retail, according to the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), with year on year sales growing 4.6 percent to $24.1 billion.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman attributes the growth to a more palatable Federal Budget in May 2015, compared to 2014.

“Consumers appear to have been more confident with the Government’s more conservative budget, and that has played out in the pleasing boost to May 2015 retail trade figures,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“In addition to the more appealing spending conditions, many states have seen an earlier winter in 2015, driving more shoppers into stores for winter essentials such as heating appliances and winter fashions.”

Mr Zimmerman’s observations are backed up by the annual growth of household goods retailing at 9.5 percent, and clothing, personal accessory and footwear retailing, up 8.8 percent.

This is most evident in Canberra, which produced the most buoyant growth for May 2015 of all the states and territories of seven percent. The Northern Territory was the only state to see a decline in annual sales of 1.4 per cent.

“It’s important for retailers to be aware of the annual growth of their industry as opposed to monthly growth, as this is the figure most retail businesses use in their own reporting. Year on year figures provide the most accurate measure of the sector’s performance,” said Mr Zimmerman.

Month on month sales for May 2015 grew by 0.3 percent.

MONTHLY RETAIL GROWTH (April 2015 – May 2015 seasonally adjusted)

Household goods retailing (0.9%), Food retailing (0.7%), Other retailing (0.3%), Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (-0.2%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (-0.8%), and Department stores (-1.4%). Total sales (0.3%).

Australian Capital Territory (0.9%), New South Wales (0.7%), Tasmania (0.6%), Western Australia (0.2%), Queensland (0.2%), South Australia (0%), Northern Territory (0%) and Victoria (-0.1%).Total sales (0.3%).

YEAR-ON-YEAR RETAIL GROWTH (May 2014 – May 2015 seasonally adjusted)

Household goods retailing (9.5%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (8.8%), Food retailing (4%), Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (3.2%), Department stores (1.6%) and Other retailing (1.4%). Total sales (4.6%).

Australian Capital Territory (7%), New South Wales (6%), South Australia (5.5%), Victoria (5%), Western Australia (3.2%), Tasmania (3.3%), Queensland (3%) and Northern Territory (-1.4%). Total sales (4.6%).

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.
 
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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone has welcomed the Federal Government’s changes to the taxation of employee share schemes which come into effect today and support start-up businesses to attract talent and grow.

The changes mean that employees who are issued with options will generally be able to defer tax until they convert the options to shares. Previously, employees were obligated to pay tax when those options vest.

"Also, under the changes eligible start-ups can issue options or shares to their employees at a discount, and have that discount exempt (for shares) or further deferred (for options) from income tax," Mr Stone said.

"These measures were called for by VECCI’s Small Business Taskforce in its report, Small business. Big opportunities. They will encourage innovation and productivity which are key to keeping small business competitive."

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

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