Lobby groups line up

The number of small business lobby groups in Western Australia has ballooned over the past year, and while all cover similar issues they represent different parts of the small business community. 

The debate over the deregulation of retail trading hours is close to the hearts of many and is undoubtedly a cause of the increase in lobbying.

Some groups incorporate larger retail chains in their memberships while others focus solely on issues facing the ‘corner store.’ One thing they all have in common, however, is a desire to be heard.

One of the largest groups is the WA Retail and Small Business Association, which represents about 4,000 local businesses. 

CEO Brett Dunstone describes the group as a “spearhead organisation”, as it contains seven different industry affiliates within its structure.

WARSBA has been at the forefront of the ‘no’ campaign in the referendum on retail trading hours since the organisation was launched mid-way through last year.

“While there are many issues concerning small business, our prime focus is on the referendum,” Mr Dunstone told WA Business News.

WARSBA purports to be non-political despite having been launched by Colin Barnett.

The WA Independent Grocers’ Association has been another contributor in the campaign against deregulation. President John Cummings, a Dewsons franchisee, placed emphasis on workplace relations, lower State payroll taxes, and tenancy rights as other important issues for small business in the coming election.

He would also like to see the Trade Practices Act strengthened and aspects of the act adopted into State legislation to benefit small business.

About 600 independent supermarket owners make up WAIGA membership.

One of the smaller groups opposing deregulation is the Coalition of Business Associations, which is an informal alliance of 18 industry associations, including the Combined Small Business and Master Builders Associations.

Peter Fitzpatrick, executive of the Motor Trades Association, heads up CoBA and thinks WA has been the smart State in the national trend towards deregulation, until now.

 “I would like to see MP electoral offices open on weekends,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

With many lobbyists gearing up for the State election, some relevant issues are inevitably being drowned out by the referendum.

WA Small Business and Enterprise Association president Philip Achurch said State payroll tax was a key concern.

But in the midst of so much spin centred on the referendum it is difficult to see how these other issues will be heard.  Both sides of politics have hired public relations firms and it could come down to a battle of who has the bigger marketing budget.

Franchisees Against Inequitable Retailing is a group funded by the Harvey Norman chain in Western Australia. The group supports deregulation of retail trading hours on Sundays.

President Rob Evans is the franchise owner of Harvey Norman Furniture Store in Osborne Park.

“One challenge for us is being heard in the current environment,” he said.

While grocery stores and supermarkets attract a lot of attention, Mr Evans believes he faces an uphill battle to be heard.

“We have to change the perception that the whole debate is over groceries, petrol and liquor,” he said.

In Perth to help launch the ‘yes’ campaign, Australian Consumers’ Association Deputy CEO Norm Crothers said the State Government should provide financial assistance to small businesses that lose out in any transition to extended retail trading hours.