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INDUSTRY INSIGHT POST BACKFLIP: COLLABORATION ON SME FOOD PRODUCER SOLUTIONS Spare a thought for our small-business food producers. They’ve had a lot to unpack over recent weeks. By Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson. An abrupt decision by Australia Post to cease delivery of perishable goods from June 30 understandably led to an outcry from small- business food producers across the country. Thankfully, Australia Post acted quickly to reverse its decision, agreeing to work collaboratively with my office and all relevant stakeholders to continue these essential delivery services. Our first meeting with Australia Post has already taken place, with more scheduled in the weeks to come. I’m pleased to report our initial meeting was productive, giving me confidence that we can work together to identify what the problems are and to find solutions to make a pathway forward. My office has made it clear to Australia Post that many small-business food producers, especially those in regional areas, are reliant on the continuation of post services to fulfil their orders. Australia Post has demonstrated a willingness to work through issues in its delivery network, including ongoing discussions with industry regulators. My state-based Small Business Commissioner colleagues are also well placed to play a key role in this problem-solving process, particularly if it’s a matter of complex and differing food regulation requirements across the states and territories, as described by Australia Post. It’s vital we all roll up our sleeves to achieve an outcome that provides e-commerce-enabled small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with certainty that their goods will be delivered by Australia Post. For years, Australia Post has been a crucial and dependable e-commerce partner, particularly for rural and regional communities, and we’re working collaboratively to ensure this continues. Our next steps include identifying case studies that may have given rise to concerns, finalising plans for consultation and forming an industry working forum to meet in May. It will also be necessary to ensure regulatory bodies, government agencies and e-commerce representatives are at the table to work towards a resolution to this important issue. In the meantime, if you’re a small-business food producer that relies on Australia Post’s delivery services, please get in contact with my office. We want to make sure the SME community is a meaningful part of this conversation. Ultimately, this thorough consultation process is about more than just helping resolve the issues identified by Australia Post. It’s also aimed at ensuring essential services such as postage of goods are meeting the needs of small-business food producers. Now more than ever, small businesses need to be supported as they work to recover from an incredibly challenging period. Part of this is ensuring essential services such as postage of goods are readily available, reliable and affordable for SMEs. Small-business food producers that want to be a part of this important discussion can email advocacy@asbfeo.gov.au. About Bruce Billson Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) since March 2021, Bruce Billson brings experience and knowledge to the role and an understanding of the issues facing small business, having launched his own advisory business in 2016. His political career spans 30 years, including his role as cabinet minister for small business from 2013 to 2015, when he was instrumental in the establishment of ASBFEO. Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s office The ASBFEO's role is to support small businesses and family enterprises to enable them to grow and thrive. Launched in 2016, it assists and advocates for small businesses and family enterprises. 14 CONVENIENCE WORLD MAY/JUN, 2021