This Week in the Market – 8 October 2019

Market News

Is your business ready for the Victorian bag ban?

The Victorian Government will implement a state-wide ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags as of 1 November 2019.

This new law will apply to all retailers – including supermarkets, greengrocers, bakeries, pharmacies, clothes stores, restaurants, cafes, markets, food outlets, and many more. The ban includes single-use plastic bags, including those made from compostable, degradable and biodegradable plastics.

Until recently, Victorians have used over 1 billion plastic shopping bags every year. The majority of these bags end up in landfill and around 10 million end up as litter, polluting the environment and endangering wildlife.

There are many alternatives to plastic bags available. The Victorian Government encourages all retailers to prepare for the upcoming change and be aware that penalties will apply for noncompliance.
Retailers can download several resources to assist with the transition.

Fact sheet for businesses – provides essential information about the ban and tips for businesses and plastic bag suppliers
Store sign – It is recommended that all retailers download and print this double-sided sign to display in your store, to inform customers about the ban.

The Victorian Government has engaged the National Retailers Association (NRA) to work with Victorian businesses in preparing for the ban. The NRA has set up a toll-free Bag Ban Hotline (1800 817 723) to provide business with support in transitioning away from single-use lightweight plastic bags. Further detailed information about the ban, including resources in other languages, can be found at vicbagban.com.au.

Keeping stock inside stores

Storeholders are reminded not to store produce at the back of stores, in loading or parking bays, after trade.
Storing produce outside is a health and safety hazard as well as attracting unwanted vermin, like birds, rats and mice.
After trade, the licenced area at the back of your store must be free of any produce or rubbish to allow the area to be cleaned.

Weekly words of wisdom

Professional recruitment services at no cost to you – jobactive makes hiring staff easy

Jobactive is a recruitment service that can help you find the right staff, at no cost to you.
Local providers will work directly with you to find job-ready candidates in your area.
A local jobactive provider will find out what you need, then shortlist and screen the best candidates for your business.
Providers can also

• arrange for a job seeker to do training specific to the needs of your business.
• offer continued support as your new employee settles into your business

Your business may be able to get up to $10,000 (GST inclusive) when you hire an eligible new employee through a provider.
If you would like to learn more, click the button below to register your interest and the MMA can organise for a jobactive representative to visit the Market to speak with interested businesses.
Visit www.jobactive.gov.au for more information.

Fire Warden Training

After several requests from Market businesses, a fire warden training course will be held for Market tenants. Business Principals can nominate themselves or a representative from their business to attend the course, free of charge.
Those who attend the training will gain the skills needed to be a fire warden for their business in the event of an emergency.
When: Monday 28 October 2019, 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Where: Conference Room, Ground Floor, Administration Building
Cost: Free of charge

Are you concerned about your drinking or drug use?

There are many organisations that offer drug and alcohol-related support services.
Direct Line – 1800 888 236
DirectLine provides a confidential 24-hour telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone in Victoria wishing to discuss alcohol or drug-related issues.
A comprehensive list of other drug and alcohol support services can be found on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website at www.adf.org.au/help-support/

Industry News

Aussies have packaged produce waste worries

Half of Australians aren’t happy about wastage across supermarkets, according to a new report.
In particular, the overuse of plastic packaging and discarded imperfect produce stands as a point of concern for shoppers. The results showed 53 per cent want retailers to stop the overuse of plastic packaging; however, it seems more young people appreciate the convenience of plastic packaging.
Read more on the Good Fruit and Vegetable website.

Australian horticulture on the rise

Australian horticulture has taken the number one growth spot in agriculture with a 40 per cent rise in production value over the five years to 2017-2018. Exports also recently saw unprecedented gains after Australian produce trade reached almost AU$2.8bn (US$1.8bn) for the first time, a 27 per cent increase on the 2017-2018 financial year. As fruit, nut and vegetable producers have enjoyed significant gains, opportunities within the sector have also swelled.
Read more on the Produce Plus website.

Key Dates

• Fire Warden Training – Monday 28 October

Ask the MMA

If you’ve got a question for the MMA email it to: submissions@melbournemarket.com.au.