MGA Independent Businesses Australia

19/06/2026

"The illicit to***co wars are still going because governments failed to act swiftly. The warning signs are already there, and the lessons from to***co show the cost of ignoring them." — Martin Stirling, CEO, MGA

That was one of the key messages to emerge from MGA's Liquor: The Next Illicit Market – Lessons from To***co forum yesterday.

Retailers, enforcement representatives, industry leaders and illicit trade experts came together to discuss the emerging risks associated with illicit alcohol and the lessons industry can learn before another illicit market becomes entrenched.

MGA will continue advocating for stronger action to protect lawful businesses, consumers and local communities.

18/06/2026

Today, MGA is bringing together retailers, suppliers, enforcement representatives and illicit trade experts to discuss the emerging risks posed by illicit alcohol, organised retail crime and unlawful supply chains — and the lessons industry can learn from illicit to***co before the problem escalates further.

𝗟𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗼𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 – 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼
📅 Today | 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Key insights from today’s discussion will be shared in the coming days.

07/05/2026

MGA CEO Martin Stirling appeared on the Today Show this morning to discuss growing concerns around organised crime activity and retailer safety in Victoria.

During the interview, Martin highlighted the importance of urgent enforcement action to protect retailers, staff and local communities as violence linked to illicit alcohol activity escalates.

Watch the interview: https://buff.ly/guYpo8Q

24/04/2026

We’ve partnered with industry experts to deliver a national Psychosocial Risk & Workplace Wellbeing Survey—designed to better understand the pressures facing independent retailers and their teams.

From customer aggression to workload demands, the insights gathered will help shape practical tools, guidance and advocacy for our sector.

If you are an independent grocery, liquor or hardware retailer and employ staff, we encourage you to complete the survey and share it with your team—their input is critical to making sure the results reflect real experiences on the shop floor.

✔ Anonymous
✔ Takes ~10 minutes
🗓️ Closes 30 April 2026

👉

MGA Independent Business Alliance offers a suite of exclusive employment templates, policies, and tools to help members streamline their business operations and ensure compliance with industry regulations. These resources, developed in response to member feedback, cover a wide range of essential are...

22/04/2026

The Autumn 2026 MGAzine is here 🍂

With Environment and Sustainability in focus, this issue explores what it means for independent retailers - and the practical steps you can take in your business.

Inside, you’ll find:
♻️ Sustainability initiatives in action
❄️ What the R404A refrigerant transition means for your store
📋 Key workplace, legislative and compliance updates
📣 The latest advocacy work on your behalf
🌟 A spotlight on inspiring independent businesses

Designed to be more than just a read, this edition brings together practical guidance, real-world case studies and helpful tools - including downloadable policies and templates - so you can refer back to it whenever you need.

Explore the full edition: https://mgaiba.org.au/autumn-2026/

18/02/2026

At the IGA QNN Supplier Trade Show?

So are we!

Visit MGA's stand and discover the HR and legal support available to our members.

24/11/2025

Independent retailers face unique challenges and retail crime is one of the most urgent.

Last Friday, MGA's Independent Retail Crime & Safety Forum brought together leaders and experts to advocate for safer retail environments.

With an opening address from Hon. Milton Dick MP and speakers including Detective Inspector Luke Kirton, Dr James Martin, Shane Kensett, Corey Allen, David Bartlett and Rohan Pike (via video), sharing perspectives on crime trends, illicit to***co, and safety strategies, the event delivered practical insights and launched MGA’s Retail Crime & Safety Training Video.

Thank you to all who participated and continue to champion safety for independent businesses.

13/11/2025

Final days to register!

Independent retailers are on the frontline of Australia’s retail crime crisis. Join us at the Retail Crime & Safety Forum for a focused, solutions-driven discussion that makes a difference — plus breakfast and networking.

Friday, 21 November 2025
📍 Pullman on the Park, East Melbourne VIC

Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1457931

Why Attend?
- Real stories from retailers on the frontline
- Insights from Victoria Police and crime experts
- Network with retailers, suppliers, and stakeholders
- Launch of new Retail Crime & Safety Training Video

28/10/2025

Retail crime is rising — and small retailers are paying the price.
From theft and abuse to violent incidents, it’s never been tougher to run an independent store.

That’s why MGA is bringing retailers, police and experts together for the Independent Retail Crime & Safety Forum — a powerful morning dedicated to finding real solutions and keeping our communities safe.

Date: Friday 21 November, 2025
Time: 9.00am - 11.45am
Venue: Pullman on the Park
East Melbourne VIC

Register Now

Retail crime has reached crisis levels. It’s no longer just about shoplifting — it’s about staff safety, intimidation, violent assaults, and...

01/09/2025

Victoria’s Machete Amnesty Starts TODAY

From 1 Sept – 30 Nov 2025, you can safely and anonymously surrender a machete at participating police stations—no questions asked.

⚠️ After this period, retailers must meet strict legal requirements to sell machetes in Victoria.

Read more about what the new law means for retailers:

It is illegal to sell machetes in Victoria, unless you have an official approval from the Chief Commissioner of Police or are covered by an exemption.