THE Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) congratulates the competition watchdog the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for its launch of legal proceedings against Coles for its alleged treatment of 200 suppliers.

The ACCC issued proceedings in the Federal Court based on allegations the retail giant engaged in unconscionable conduct under the unconscionable conduct under the Active Retail Collaboration program which Coles established in 2011. The ACCC will argue that the behaviour of Coles breached Australian Consumer Law.

COSBOA Executive Director, Peter Strong today said that the behaviour of large retail companies has been a huge issue for the small businesses of Australia for a very long time.

COSBOA congratulates the ACCC on having the strength to undertake this legal campaign. We acknowledge their decision to take this very important action especially against a company with significant resources.

“This action by the ACCC sends a strong message to the supermarket and retail sectors. It says that regardless of your size you will be held accountable for your actions and the affect this has on businesses everywhere,” said Mr Strong.

In a statement released today, ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said, “The conduct of Coles alleged by the ACCC in these proceedings was capable of causing significant detriment to small suppliers’ businesses. This could have resulted in these businesses becoming less able to plan and less able to innovate in the market, with resulting reduced economic efficiency and consumer detriment."

The statement further explained: “The ACCC is seeking pecuniary penalties, declarations, injunctions and costs."

These proceedings arise from a broader investigation by the ACCC into allegations that supermarket suppliers were being treated inappropriately by the major supermarket chains. That broader investigation is continuing.

"The matter is listed for a directions hearing in Melbourne on 6 June 2014.”

 www.cosboa.org.au

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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone welcomes the State Government’s announced Murray Basin Rail Project and upgrades to country freight rail lines.

"These projects will facilitate the movement of freight around the state and enhance north-western Victoria’s access to the ports of Portland, Geelong and Melbourne for export opportunities," he said.

"This is a positive outcome for the agribusiness sector, including the grain industry, and VECCI has been calling for enhancements to rail on behalf of our members and regional business.

"Strong regional economies are vital to the overall health of our state, and we applaud the State Government for prioritising this initiative in the 2014-15 state budget. 

"VECCI looks forward to the prioritisation of many more infrastructure projects in tomorrow’s budget that will strengthen Victoria’s economic competitiveness."

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The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.vecci.org.au

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Chief Executive Mark Stone says VECCI welcomes the State Government’s announced $30 million package to support workers in the automotive industry and supply chains impacted by the announced closures of automotive manufacturing operations in Victoria.

This initiative complements the recently announced $155 million in funding by the Federal Government, in conjunction with the State Government, with specific state measures to support affected workers and their communities to reskill and secure meaningful employment in allied industries.

"We are pleased to have been involved in this initiative through the Premier’s roundtable on the transitioning automotive industry, as a skilled workforce is vital to the overall strength of our economy," Mr Stone said.

"We applaud the State Government for prioritising measures to create a smarter Victoria and look forward to the confirmation of funding in the 2014 – 15 state budget."

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The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.vecci.org.au

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Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), in conjunction with the Yarra City Council, today proudly launched a four episode documentary that promotes support and education services for small businesses.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the series known as Re-Tales follows the stories of four small retail business owners who undertook the Yarra Great Re-Tales Program delivered by the ARA Retail Institute between July and October 2013 – a four month initiative of workshops designed to support and educate local retailers.

“While the retail industry may slowly be on the road to recovery, we know that 44 small businesses close their doors daily in Australia. Education, training and skills development are of the utmost importance and can often be the difference between success and failure for small retailers.
 
"The Re-Tales series hopes to capture the personal growth stories of participants and the realities of running a retail business in today’s competitive market. The entire process was documented on film with the aim to identify a dire need for further education investment in the retail sector.

"It’s a collaborative community approach to learning great skills about business. The educational program that the documentary follows was the first of its kind, and we congratulate the City of Yarra for their ongoing passion and dedication to supporting small business," Mr Zimmerman said.

City of Yarra Mayor, Cr Jackie Fristacky, said Council was delighted to have partnered with the ARA to deliver the Great Yarra Re-Tales program to support local retailers.

"Our shopping strips are energetic hubs of creativity and culture; and they are essential to the economic prosperity of our city. This program has provided practical tools and support to help local retailers succeed and prosper," Cr Fristacky said.

To view the Re-Tales documentary teaser, as well as each of the four episodes, please click here

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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