NATIONAL NEWS AMIC NATIONAL SAUSAGE KING ALL THE RESULTS! ALL THE ACTION! NATIONAL RETAIL COUNCIL By Kerry Melrose

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1 March 2007 NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL RETAIL COUNCIL By Kerry Melrose It has been a very busy start to the year for the National Retail Council which has a long agenda to be completed in The first major event for the year was the National Sausage King held in Perth at Northbridge Piazza. Vince Garreffa and his Western Australia Retail Council produced an event the like of which has not been previously seen. A huge marquee was erected and the day was perfect for the estimated 3,500 patrons who visited the National Sausage King carnival. Media coverage was brilliantly organized by Meat and Livestock Australia and this included national television and local radio programs to publicise the event. The National Sausage King Presentation Dinner had over 180 people in attendance with MC Verity James from ABC Television ensuring that there was not a quiet moment between the presentation. The National Retail Council congratulates all those involved in the preparation and delivery of the National Sausage King weekend and in particular those Sausage Kings who were rewarded with placings in the final. We also thank our many sponsors without which such an event could not take place. More work was in store for the National Retail Council with a two day meeting preceded by a meeting of subcommittees. Items for discussion included: The National Retail Strategic Plan for A workshop took place in mid February where all the important issues addressing Independent Local Butchers were considered. These were refined into various strategies which were then approved in Perth. An action plan will now be finalized to implement these important strategic issues. The National Retail Conference on the Gold Coast in June Planning is now complete and there has been a high level of interest from Independent Local Butchers with early registrations encouraging. Preference is being given to AMIC members at this time. Sponsorship is still available for many of the categories for those who wish to avail themselves of this opportunity. The National Trade Show will be run in conjunction with the National Retail Conference and this is also developing significant interest. Queensland companies are seeing the opportunity to demonstrate their products to the Independent Local Butchers and will support the event being held for the first time in that state. The remainder of the meeting considered important issues relating to the MLA Strategic Plan for in particular the Domestic Task Force held on 8 March. This is the opportunity for the Retail Sector to have input into MLA promotional money and the programs to operate in the coming year. AMIC NATIONAL SAUSAGE KING ALL THE RESULTS! ALL THE ACTION! NATIONAL SAUSAGE KINGS CROWNED NORTHBRIDGE, PERTH WA The newly named Northbridge Piazza in Perth played host to the 2007 AMIC National Sausage King on Saturday, March 3rd. The State Kings did themselves all proud, with every entry sampled by the 3500 strong crowd, a taste pleaser. The weekend of networking and celebration started on Friday evening prior to the cook off with the Australian Meat Industry Superannuation Trust (AMIST) sponsored Meet and Greet at the Sheraton Perth Hotel. Around 100 guests mingled before moving onto an optional dinner and an early night. Saturday, the day of the competition, started with 120 people attending the ever popular Breakfast with the Butchers held at the Jessica s Restaurant overlooking the Swan River and proudly sponsored by the British Sausage Company. Then everyone proceeded to the serious business of cooking and judging at the marquee erected at Northbridge Piazza. As the competition was held as part of the City of Perth s Wine and Food month, AMIC invited other, complimentary retailers to join in the action. Harvey OJ, Mr Mushroom, New Norcia Bakery and Vittoria Coffee were just a few of the popular retailers who joined in the fun, providing food and drinks for the hungry and thirsty crowds with thousands of samples being consumed. There was also plenty of entertainment on the day. A three piece band entertained the crowd singing sausage songs, sausage linking demonstrations involved unsuspecting audience members, and MLA handed out balloons and stickers to help keep the kids amused on what was a stunning day. After the five categories had been judged, it was back to the Sheraton for a quick freshen up, before the five National Sausage Kings and placegetter winners were announced to 180 enthusiastic participants, their families, and sponsors at the National Sausage Kings Presentation Dinner, proudly sponsored by Devro. Key sponsors presented the top three Independent Local Butchers in each category with their certificates and prizes, with all States taking home trophies. Meat and Livestock Australia s Lachlan Bowtell presented the Traditional Australian Sausage category awards. Mark Nolan, Gray s Modern Meats in Queensland took third place, South Australian Des Waters won second place, and Perth local Dave Ebsary from Menu Master Meats took out the top spot title. Dave said, This sausage has always been one of our biggest sellers, and now it is official, we are not only the best in the West, but the best in Australia for our famous BBQ sausages. AMIC s Western Australian Executive Director Merv Darcy presented the 100% Pork category. ACT s Cameron Fenson, Meatways Butchery won third place, Victoria s Paddy Maginn, Paddy s Meats second place, and Queensland s Tim Duggan from Mundubberra Butchering Company was crowned the new 100% Pork Sausage King. Tim said, It was a great thrill to win this and it was justice for a dedicated team of staff who show pride in what they do. Third place in the new 100% Poultry was presented by AMIST s Charles Sala to Peter Bouchier of Victoria s Butchers of Distinction. AMIC s CEO Kevin Cottrill proudly presented South Australian Chair Lynne Zammit with Peter Burke s (Lyndoch Valley Fine Foods) second place trophy, and a clearly thrilled Jo-Ann Edwards accepted on behalf of her husband Marc, the new Sausage King title for A Cut Above Fine Foods. Marc said upon hearing the news, My wife went to WA to represent our store and when she heard the news at the Gala Dinner she was in tears of joy. Everything we make is from scratch, we have about 60 different types of sausages and all are original recipes. CONTINUED PAGES 3-5 AMIC ACKNOWLEDGES AND THANKS THE SUPPORT OF OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS: The coming months will continue to project the image of the Independent Local Butchers of Australia and your National Retail Council will keep you advised of these initiatives. 2nd Floor Albany Street Crows Nest NSW 2065 Telephone Facsimile Web

2 NATIONAL RETAIL CONFERENCE 1 TO 3 JUNE 2007 wealth management and retirement planning are all covered in this workshop presentation. Marketing Ideas that Work is an interactive workshop where AMIC Members learn from the successes of other retailers. Effective promotion, low cost advertising, loyalty schemes and increasing profitability are some of the areas this workshop will deal with. The inaugural National Retail Conference is only two months away! It will be a weekend of learning and development, set on the exciting and relaxing surrounds of Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast, Queensland. The two day conference also offers the opportunity to browse and buy the latest products and innovations at the AMIC National Trade Show. Do not miss the Meat Retail Conference of the year. The informative and relevant conference program will make for an excellent weekend of learning and development for delegates. The program will include presentations from experts in various fields and will feature a top cast of special speakers Andrew Bayly, Tom O Toole, and Shane Radbone. Andrew Bayly is one of Australia s top team communication and implementation coaches. He works regularly with senior management and marketing teams to challenge and improve business behaviours. Tom is an extraordinary retailer having commenced his business in a small single front shop and now is one of the largest employers in Beechworth, the delightful North Eastern Victoria gold rush town. Shane Radbone is a successful businessman with the Wendy s chain and in his own right. He is also South Australia s Young Leader of the Year Employees vs. Loyal Customers looks at the dilemmas many small business retailers face when recruiting and retaining the right employees versus attempting to build a loyal customer base. The workshop will at how human resource management and gaining customers have surprising similarities in their approach. Tomorrow s Food Safety Programs More than just HACCP. Food Safety and Quality Assurance programs are a regular part of an Independent Local Butcher s life, but like life, always changing. This workshop looks at the latest changes in systems and technologies, including developing HACCP programs for cooked and prepared foods. Time Management Balancing work and family life aims to help the everyday butcher with the rigours long hours of meat retailing entail. Participants share and learn about effective delegation, time & stress management, succession planning, and crisis management. Socialising, networking and catching up with old friends will also be an essential part of the conference weekend. Starting with a Meet and Greet informal evening on the Friday (1 June), the social activities continue with the first day of the conference will culminating with an evening Gala Dinner in the Casino Ballroom. Sunday morning commences with a Butchers Breakfast, and for those staying on to unwind at the resort, the MLA Industry Golf Day on Monday the 4th. Members will find five workshop sessions featured during the conference useful, informative, and interesting: Understanding all your Finance aims to help AMIC Members approach their financial planning in the best way possible for the 21st century. Cash flows, pricing strategies, interpreting financial statements, 2 NAT

3 AMIC NATIONAL SAUSAGE KING ALL THE RESULTS! ALL THE ACTION! Lesnie s Bill Turnbull presented the Continental Category with third place going to Franz Knoll of Barossa Fine Foods SA, second to Black Forest Smallgoods Thomas Beuke from Tasmania and the Sausage King title was awarded to a grinning Cameron Fenson from Meatways Butchery ACT. Corona Manufacturing s Keith Gridley presented Gourmet/Open Class winners. Judging proved tough in this category and there was a tie with Adrian Edwards, Queensland s Mt Pleasant Meat Specialists and Western Australia s Mike Ferrero of the British Sausage Company each being awarded third place. Peter Johnston, Johnston Gourmet Meat Tasmania took home the second place trophy, and Dave Dargaville from Flora Hill Quality Meats in Victoria was awarded the National Sausage King title in the always hotly contested Gourmet category. Dave said, What we say at Flora Hill is, it s all about quality, and now at a National level it has all come together for us. AMIC congratulates all the National Sausage Kings and winners for 2007: CATEGORY - TRADITIONAL AUSTRALIAN 1st Menu Master Meats Dave Ebsary WA 2nd Desmond s Meat Service Des Waters SA 3rd Gray s Modern Meats Mark Nolan QLD CATEGORY - CONTINENTAL 1st Meatways Butchery Cameron Fenson ACT 2nd Black Forest Smallgoods Thomas Beuke TAS 3rd Barossa Fine Foods Franz Knoll SA CATEGORY 100% PORK CATEGORY 100% POULTRY 1st Mundubbera Butchering Company Tim Duggan QLD 1st A Cut Above Fine Foods Marc Edwards NSW 2nd Paddy s Meats Paddy Maginn VIC 3rd Meatways Butchery Cameron Fenson ACT 2nd Lyndoch Valley Fine Foods Peter Burke SA 3rd Butchers of Distinction Peter Bouchier VIC CATEGORY GOURMET / OPEN CLASS 1st Flora Hill Quality Meats Dave Dargaville VIC 2nd Johnston Gourmet Meats Peter Johnston TAS 3rd Mt Pleasant Meat Specialists Adrian Edwards QLD 3rd The British Sausage Company Mike Ferrero WA Please read your State newsletter included with this edition for full State winner details and for any 2007 competition information as your State office may already be calling for this year s regional Sausage King entries. This year s AMIC National Sausage King was another excellent success and AMIC appreciates the support and participation all the entrants and volunteers without whom this premier event would not be possible. We would also like to thank the Western Australian AMIC Office Staff, Merv Darcy and Charmaine Morey, and the WA Retail Council, for all your hard work. We also extend sincere thanks to Jenny Fowler of Devanhasdin, and Dardanup Butchering company. AMIC wishes to express its appreciation to our valuable sponsors for their support: NAT 3

4 Kids enjoying the giveaways 3500 people attended the event Judging the best of the best NSW Chairman Ron Stapleton cooking up for the crowds Yum yum! The unsuspecting public has a go sausage linking Sausages are for everyone WA Chairman Vince Gareffa is a hit with the ladies Traditional Australian 2007 Winners L - R Mark Nolan 3rd, Dave Ebsary 1st, Des Waters 2nd with MLA s Lachlan Bowtell 100% Pork winners L - R Cameron Fenson 3rd, Merv Darcy AMIC WA, Tim Duggan 1st, and Paddy Maginn 2nd 100% Poultry Winners l - R Charles Sala AMIST, Peter Bouchier 3rd, Jo-Ann Edwards 1st, Lynne Zammit 2nd, Kevin Cottrill AMIC Continental Winners L - R Thomas Beuke 3rd, Cameron Fenson 1st, and Franz Knoll 2nd 4 NAT

5 Gourmet winners L - R Peter Johnston 2nd, Keith Gridley Corona, Dave Dargaville 1st, and Mike Ferrero and Adrian Edwards 3rd The dinner guests Lesnie s Bill Turnbull AMIC s Kevin Cottrill MC Verity James with trophies and plaques Devro s Phil Moore The Fensons The Princi s The Greens The Melroses The Cormacks Sizzling sausages NAT 5

6 A REVIEW OF FEDERAL AWARDS UNDER WORKCHOICES The WorkChoices legislation is nearing the first anniversary. With the legislation came the distinction between CC s (described conveniently as Pty Ltd entities) and non-cc s (sole traders and partnershipps). AMIC members had to ascertain where they sat under the WorkChoices. The options appeared complicated but it was fairly clear once you found your way through the legislation. The following variations applied: WESTERN AUSTRALIA AND TASMANIA CC AMIC members under the state award or state agreements. You all came across to the federal system. For state award CC s the wages set by the new federal body called the Australian Fair Pay commission (AFPC) are relevant. For CC s with state agreements entered into before March 2006, these agreements continue until expiration and any wage decision of the AFPC was not relevant unless a provision of the agreement stated that it is. NEW SOUTH WALES, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, QUEENSLAND. CC AMIC Members This continued to be the position and your federal meat award was called a pre-reform award minimum wages would be set by a new body called AFPC and any new minimum employment conditions under WorkChoices would apply unless stated otherwise. Non-CC AMIC Members This continued to be the position and your federal meat award was called a transitional award minimum wages would still be set by Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) and any new employment conditions under WorkChoices would not apply unless stated otherwise. Non-CC AMIC members The state awards continued to apply. CC AMIC Members on a State Award or State Agreement You would all came across to the federal system. For state award CC s, the wages set by the new federal body called AFPC were relevant. For CC s with state agreements, they continue until expiration. AMIC members with AWAs and Federal Certified Agreements as at March 2006 These would continue until expiration or cancellation. AMIC members with AWAs and Federal Certified Agreements as at March 2006 Whether you were a CC or a non-cc, these AWA s and Certifed Agreements continued until they expired or were cancelled. VICTORIA, ACT AND NT CC and non-cc AMIC members applying the federal award Whether a CC or non-cc, you were all treated the same because there is no state industrial system as such. The new tribunal called AFPC would be setting minimum wages and any new employment conditions under WorkChoices would apply unless stated otherwise. AMIC members with AWAs and Federal Certified Agreements from before March 2006 These would continue until expiration or cancellation. THE RELEVANT 2006 AND 2007 WAGE DECISIONS It is now fairly easy to summarise the various recent wage decisions in regards to where AMIC members sat under WorkChoices. Depending upon where each member of AMIC sat in their state, minimum wages were decided by either: (i) The newly established Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) Remember, this is the body that is relevant for: CC AMIC members in NSW, Vic, SA and Qld Non-CC AMIC members in Victoria, ACT and NT CC AMIC members who were applying state awards before March In November 2006, this Commission awarded an increase of $27.36 per week (or $0.72/hour) to existing minimum adult rates contained in your pre-reform awards (as described in heading 1 above). The new minimum adult rate was $ per week or $13.47 per hour. Apprentice, trainee and junior rates also increased under this decision. The decision applied from 1 December If an employee was receiving more than the minimum, there was no requirement to increase the pay. You could if you so desired. This decision did not apply to CC AMIC members who had AWAs or Certified Agreements or State Agreements still in operation from before March (ii) The Australian industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) This is the body that used to set minimum wages for everyone in the federal system. Now, it only has the power to set wages for non-cc operations in the federal system, excepting Victoria, ACT and NT. So far as AMIC members are concerned, any decision of the AIRC concerning non-cc s affects NSW, SA and Queensland only. The wage decision applied to the federal meat awards from 31 January The increases followed the AFPC decision, but were rounded up i.e. $ per week. The decision also affected apprentice, trainee and junior rates. Allowances were also increased, excepting meal and clothing allowances. The awards were also varied to include a disability supported wage clause. If an employee was receiving more than the minimum, there was no requirement to increase the pay. You could if you so desired. 6 NAT

7 (iii) State Industrial Commissions in WA and Tasmania These Tribunals are relevant for non-cc AMIC members in those states. Decisions were handed down last August and were less than the $ WORKCHOICES AMENDMENTS The following amendments to the Federal Workplace Relations Act 1996 have been approved and commenced on 12 December They only apply to CC s (i.e. Pty Ltd, incorporated businesses), not to non-cc s (sole traders, partnerships) Redundancy entitlements If the employer terminates a: Registered agreement A new workplace agreement under WorkChoices or a pre-reform agreement (i.e. certified agreement or AWA) or a; Preserved State agreement; Then redundancy provisions already contained within the agreement are preserved at the time of the termination. These redundancy entitlements continue to operate for 12 months after the agreement is terminated, unless the employee leaves the new employer or a new agreement is made. Capping accrual of Annual Leave and Personal/Carer s Leave under the Australian Fair Pay and Conditions (AFPC) Standard Accrual of Annual Leave and Personal/Carer s Leave under the AFPC Standard is capped so that paid leave does not accrue in respect of hours worked above a 38 hour per week. Although an employee may regularly work additional hours (i.e. time over 38 hours per weekl), they will only be paid on the basis of their ordinary hours. As this provision applies from 12 December 2006, previous accrued regular additional hours will have to be included for the period between 27 March 2006 to 11 December Payment rule for Personal/Carer s/compassionate Leave for pregnant employees This change makes the payment rules for personal/carer s leave, compassionate leave and leave for pregnant employees (who cannot be transferred to a safe job) consistent with the AFPC Standard payment rule for annual leave, i.e. employee s basic periodic rate of pay. Right to Stand down Employees A new default stand down provision has been inserted into the Act, which allows an employer to stand-down an employee without pay for periods where the employee cannot be usefully employed because of a strike, breakdown of machinery or a stoppage of work for which the employer cannot reasonably be held responsible. Most Awards, including the Federal Meat Industry Awards and registered agreements, have the same provisions and therefore will continue to operate. However, if the Agreement has additional reasons for stand-down they will also continue to apply. The new provision specified a stand-down period does not break the continuity of service and counts as service for all purposes such as leave accrual. Cashing out Personal/Carer s Leave The Act will be amended to enable employees and employers to agree to cash out entitlements under the Legislation Standard subject to certain criteria. The criteria are: - The parties can only agree to such provision under a registered Workplace Agreement, which contains a provision allowing for such arrangement - The employee must give the employer a written letter to forgo the amount of paid personal/carer s leave - That 15 days personal/carer s is retained after the cashing in. Record Keeping Amendments have also been made with respect to record-keeping requirements. The changes only affect the keeping of ordinary hours of full-time and regular part-time employees, apprentices and traineeship employees. Therefore only those hours for which an employee is entitled to overtime or other penalty rates need to be recorded. All record keeping of hours must continue for casual and irregular part-time employees. Waiving the 7 day waiting period for the Information Statement for Employees form and the Signing/Lodging of the AWA Prior to these recent amendments, in order to make and lodge a Workplace Agreement the employee had to be given the Information Statement form 7 days before signing and lodging the Agreement. This can now be waived by written authority from the employee, which brings it into line with the waiver arrangement with the signing of their Agreement. Amendments effective from 27 March 2006 The new amendments now specify that from 27 March 2006, a pre WorkChoices Agreement is subject to the five items of the AFPC Standard. Therefore, if the pre-workchoices agreement does not deal with one or more of the five items, then that part of the AFPC Standard will apply to the agreement. Federal Independent Contractors Act The new Federal Independent Contractors Act 2006 (the Act) received approval on 11 December 2006 and will commence from March As the name of the Act suggests it is directed at independent contractors or those who wish to enter service contracts, not employer/employee contracts. The purpose of the Act is to: Protect the freedom of independent contractors to enter into services contracts, and Recognise independent contracting as a legitimate form of work arrangements that is primarily commercial, and Prevent interference with the terms of genuine independent contracting arrangements. While the Act seeks to oust much of the state legislation provisions in relation to service contracts, there are state provisions that still apply such as: Workers compensation Occupational health and safety (including entry of a trade union representative for a purpose connected with OH&S) Industrial actions affecting essential services Jury service Professional regulation Consumer rights. If there are any independent contractors who are members of AMIC and they need further information about the Act, please contact us NAT 7

8 NATIONAL TRADE SHOW GOLD COAST 2 AND 3 JUNE 2007 The AMIC National Trade Show is specifically organised for the Independent Local Butchers of Australia. The exhibitors specifically relate to independent meat retailing, ensuring that the Show is relevant to AMIC members. For the first time the National Trade Show is being held in conjunction with the AMIC National Retail Conference over the weekend of 2&3 June on the Gold Coast. This gives members a fantastic opportunity to enjoy both the learning and social networking aspects of the conference, combined with finding new ways to enhance and improve your business at the Trade Show. Trade Show Stand interest is thick and fast, with major suppliers to the independent retail meat industry all in attendance, as well as new innovative companies, all showcasing their latest products and equipment. The new two day show format will give ILBs ample opportunity to peruse the stands and ask questions of the suppliers. Interested exhibitors who have not already booked a stand are advised to do so as quick as possible. Information and forms are available for download for the AMIC website or please ring AMIC National Office on VACUUM PACKAGING SPARES FOR MOST MACHINES Lid Seals and Gaskets Vacuum Valve Spares, Solenoids Element Wires, Silicon Rubber Teflon Tape Gas Lid Struts Oil Filters Exhaust Mist Filters Repairs to Control Boards ORDERS FAX: iandevilliers@primusonline.com.au CONTACT: Ian de Villiers Watervale Drive, Redland Bay, QLD NAT