Page 89 - Conveniece World Magazine Nov/Dec 2020

WHAT A YEAR! As we near the end of 2020, it’s poignant to stop and reflect on the events of the past 12 months. In many ways, Australia has survived a year of disasters of almost biblical proportions. Collectively, we’ve survived unprecedented bushfire devastation, severe flood impacts, an ice storm in the nation’s capital, and a once-in-a- generation economic crisis created by a global pandemic. By ACAPMA CEO Mark McKenzie. About this time last year, we began to experience bushfire devastation in south-east Queensland and the north coast of NSW, but not even the most extreme of pessimists could have envisaged what we would live through over these past 12 months. Yet we have lived through it. This, of itself, is testament to the resolve of the human spirit and the grit that typifies all Australians. The events of 2020 have meant that phrases such as ‘unprecedented disasters’ and ‘once-in-a- lifetime economic downturn’ have become commonplace. But when I think of these events and how our industry has responded, there are two other very different phrases that come to mind: ‘unsung heroes’ and ‘quiet pride’. Many of you will know that I don’t have deep family roots in the fuel industry. In fact, I once worked as the leader of national public affairs for the NRMA and was often in the media criticising our industry for its apparent fuel pricing behaviour. Having since worked in and around both the transport industry and the fuel industry, I’ve come to respect the ‘quiet Australians’ who work in both industries. It’s this aspect of our industry that motivated me to put up my hand to lead ACAPMA. That is, the national industry body that champions the interests of fuel businesses in Australia and defends our industry against ill-informed attacks on its reputation and the people who work within it. The events this year have meant that, while it has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging for all of us who work at ACAPMA, the job of reputational protection was made significantly easier by the way every person in our industry has responded to the crises of the past 12 months. Instead of having to defend criticisms from the ACCC on petrol prices, we were publishing stories about how service stations were supporting local communities impacted by bushfires. Servos remained open in fire zones, being used as informal bases for rural fire teams to source fuel, food and drinks – or just take five minutes out from the phenomenal work they did to protect our local communities. We heard stories of service stations along the NSW north coast that temporarily held cash for local businesses that couldn’t bank their take because the banks in the area had closed. Others became the rallying point for small communities and were used as the location where post-disaster services could be accessed by locals. The nation’s fuel distributors and fuel majors continued to transport fuel into communities that had been cut off by the fires. Others positioned fuel tankers on the edge of evacuated regions, so they could be deployed as soon as it was safe to enter fire zones. Some of the stories we heard about individual drivers servicing the south coast of NSW were truly inspiring. Our industry’s response to the bushfires was openly lauded by local communities and federal politicians alike. The vital role we play at such times was coined by the statement that our industry was ‘the last to close and the first to open’ during natural disasters. Three months later, our businesses were hit by the economic crisis caused by Covid-19. Despite the substantial financial challenges, fuel businesses adapted quickly and continued to provide services to the public. They were ably supported by a raft of very positive business support measures developed and advanced by the Australian government. The fact that our industry has continued to supply fuel and non-fuel products throughout the pandemic, without any major contagion events, has redefined our relationship with the community. It doesn’t mean that we’ll be above being attacked on fuel prices in future, but it does mean that many people have learnt to trust us to do the right thing by public safety. It also means that customers have discovered that we do more than simply sell fuel in the communities we serve. It’s therefore appropriate for us to take a few moments to acknowledge the effort of every person who works in the Australian fuel industry. You’re all ‘unsung heroes’ who have quietly gone about your business of supporting the community under extremely challenging circumstances. As the current year draws to a close, my wish for all of you is that you get a chance to spend some valuable time with your families while your business also benefits from a boom in domestic travel, the likes of which we’re not likely to have seen for more than 30 years, with so many more people holidaying in Australia at this time. At the very least, here’s hoping that we never again see a year like 2020 in our collective lifetimes. ACAPMA PETROLEUM INDUSTRY REPORT About Mark McKenzie Mark holds formal qualifications in engineering (BEng) and business (MBA). He has 30 years of varied experience in private- and public-sector roles, with much of this time spent addressing strategic issues and public policy for the road transport, conventional fuels and alternative fuels industries. Email him at markm@acapma. com.au or go to acapma.com.au. About ACAPMA First established in 1976, the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association is the peak industry association representing the interests of most businesses that comprise the downstream petroleum sector in Australia. Membership of the association ranges from large corporations to small family owned businesses, including fuel wholesalers, fuel distributors, fuel retailers, petroleum contractors and petroleum equipment suppliers. For further information about the nature of petroleum marketing in Australia, contact the ACAPMA Secretariat on 1300 160 270, or email assist@acapma.com.au. NOV/DEC, 2020 CONVENIENCE WORLD 87