“Responsibility for prosecuting these thefts typically falls on the shoulders of retailers themselves and as it stands the deterrents in place are inappropriate, it’s an example of Government not considering the interests of small businesses.”
The stunning result in the Orange by-election, which has claimed the leadership of the Nationals Mr Troy Grant, demonstrates the perils of government not listening to the electorate and the concerns of small businesses, says Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) CEO Mr Jeff Rogut.
“Certainly from the perspective of the retailers and suppliers in our industry, the willingness by the NSW Government to engage on issues of significant importance to us have fallen on deaf ears,” Rogut said.
“From the flawed introduction of mandatory ethanol in fuel regulations, to the container deposit scheme to be introduced against widespread opposition, the repercussions of ill-considered policies that have a very real impact on small-business owners and their employees are ultimately felt at the polling booth,” he said.
Rogut highlighted the crime of petrol theft as another area in which the NSW Government – and other State and Territory Governments – has failed to take the interests of small businesses seriously.
“We have appealed to Minister Grant directly in his capacity as Minister for Justice and Police for support in helping our industry deal with the crime of petrol theft. This is a crime which costs convenience stores hundreds of dollars in lost profit each week,” Rogut said.
“Responsibility for prosecuting these thefts typically falls on the shoulders of retailers themselves and as it stands the deterrents in place are inappropriate, it’s an example of Government not considering the interests of small businesses,” he said.
Another example is the legal status of e-cigarettes. The AACS recently commissioned research into people’s attitudes towards the legalisation of e-cigarettes, which showed that a strong majority of 62 per cent of NSW voters want the NSW Government to legalise e-cigarettes – 83 per cent of smokers and 59 per cent of non-smokers in the state support legalisation.
These products have the potential to help smokers quit the habit, something that has clearly resonated with the electorate.
“We don’t presume to speak for everyone in New South Wales but the convenience industry should be recognised for contributing significantly to the state’s economy and as a major employer,” Rogut said.
“Failing to recognise the role we play – and the role of small businesses generally – may well see the Orange result played out on a larger, state-wide scale,” he concluded.
Inside Small Business
