The Outlet Blog

As businesses turn their eyes towards productivity and efficiency, questions over the appropriate classification of employees are raised. ACAPMA is often asked: Which Award should Console operators be employed under? While many retail fuel sites may view themselves as a shop that sells fuel the Awards are clear…fuel retailing is a specific job classification that falls under the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2010. In fact, what many people think is the appropriate Award, the General Retail Award 2010, specifically EXCLUDES console operators (General Retail Award Clause 3.1 “does not include…motor vehicle retailing and motor vehicle fuel retailing”). ACAPMA produces Quick Reference Guides on the Awards that apply to our industry and keeps members informed as to changes and requirements for compliance. ACAPMA is also running training that is open to members and the wider industry. Click here to learn more. HR...

In petrol convenience, the forecourt - canopy, signage, dispensers and surrounds - is the first section of your business that customers are exposed to. First impressions last so it’s important this area is not only appealing, but safe. Successful operation of your forecourt depends on three critical points: marketing; legislation and compliance; and a safe environment. Marketing and product range From a customer’s perspective what you see is what you get, so make sure your forecourt looks inviting by being clean and tidy. Ask your staff to regularly clean dispensers and attend to any spills immediately, to minimize any oily residue on surfaces. Also request staff to walk the forecourt at the start of their shift to pick up any rubbish and top up consumables like water cans and paper towels. Avoid misleading or upsetting customers by always checking that the prices on the dispensers and price boards are the same. You should...

Newspapers and commentators have been all over the recently released “The Coalition’s Policy to Improve the Fair Work Laws” document by the Hon. Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition, and Senator The Hon. Eric Abetz, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. An initial read of the 38 pages could well justify the question as to whether small to medium size business, but most particularly small business, can be happy with what has been proposed. The major proposals include: Adopting some 13 recommendations from the Fair Work Review Panel report – far more than the federal government chose to adopt and, indeed, these should introduce more positive outcomes for small business, including changes to the current ‘better off overall test’ to appropriately account for non-monetary benefits; clarify the transfer of business laws as they apply to workers who transfer voluntarily; clarify the interaction of model flexibility...

Dipping storage tanks and reconciling them against sales is a process your service station should complete on a daily basis. Not only is this an effective wetstock management process but it also means you are meeting environmental regulations by preventing leaks and absorptions. Proper safety and preparation techniques are also essential for meeting current Work, Health and Safety regulations. Safety Typically a service station forecourt is a high traffic area, with numerous hazards all around. Service station operators dipping tanks need to be extra cautious and aware of the dangers surrounding them, especially as it involves working in a crouched position that makes it harder for someone in a vehicle to see you. Before you commence dipping your tanks, make sure you have everything required to do the job accurately. At minimum you should have: Personal Protective Equipment such as fuel resistant gloves, safety glasses, high visibility vest and traffic...

During March, the ACAPMA Board travelled to our nation’s capital to attend meetings with politicians from all sides of the house, as well as bureaucrats charged with administering our country. Our week spent in Canberra is now a well-established annual event and it is with great anticipation that we conduct our ACAPMA @ The House program.The timing of our recent event turned out to be pretty amazing, due to the fact that the week culminated with the now infamous Labor leadership challenge, with no real rival, and the resignation of several senior Ministers. Not only did this prove to be a complete circus, but it resulted in the Government losing some very talented frontbenchers. One of which was Martin Ferguson MP, Member for Batman, with whom- ACAPMA had developed a good working relationship. I single Minister Ferguson out because, when reporting to you on our progress in dealing with the Government, after our yearly visits, ex-Minister Ferguson was the welcome...