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Navigating the Great Australian Potato Shortage and Supporting Local Businesses

Navigating the Great Australian Potato Shortage and Supporting Local Businesses

Australia is currently experiencing a potato shortage due to heavy rainfall and major flooding that has devastated the country’s potato production.

The poor weather conditions have significantly impacted the potato harvest, particularly in the eastern states, leading to a shortage of potatoes and an increase in the price of potato-based products. Supermarket chains like Coles have had to introduce purchasing limits on frozen potatoes and potato-based snacks.

This shortage has also affected restaurants and other commercial businesses, forcing some to close their doors or find alternative options. The situation is expected to improve in the coming months, but the industry is currently facing challenges to meet the demand.

The current potato shortage in Australia is a reminder of the importance of supporting Australian Owned businesses. The potato industry and related businesses, like restaurants and retail outlets, are an integral part of the Australian economy and provide employment and income for many people. By choosing to buy and consume products from Australian Owned businesses, we can support our local economy and help to keep jobs and revenue within the country.

Additionally, Australian Owned businesses are more likely to prioritise supply to the Australian market first, ensuring that the needs of the local population are met before exporting abroad. The challenges faced by the potato industry and related businesses during this time is a great opportunity for us to show our support and appreciation for the hardworking individuals and companies that make up these businesses, who are playing a vital role in feeding the nation.

It is important to remember that by choosing to buy local products and support local businesses, we are helping to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of our economy and secure access to the goods we need.

Building Strong, Sustainable Economy

The importance of local manufacturing for the Australian economy cannot be overstated. Not only does it create jobs and generate income, but it also plays a crucial role in building a strong and sustainable economy.

Local manufacturing results in the creation of jobs, especially in regional and rural areas where job opportunities are often scarce. The more manufacturing that takes place in Australia, the more jobs will be created, boosting employment in these areas.

When goods are manufactured in Australia, the money spent on materials, labour, and other inputs stays within the country, helping to boost the economy and create a ripple effect that can be felt throughout the community.

Additionally, small and medium-sized businesses, known for being the backbone of the Australian economy play an important role in creating jobs and generating income, and local manufacturing allows these businesses to grow and thrive.

To ensure the continued growth and success of the manufacturing industry, the government should provide support through the introduction of policy to give Australian businesses a fair go, to help build a strong and sustainable economy for the future.

View our recent parliamentary petition here.

Australian Owned is the only trusted business certification service that ensures business and products are Australian owned and made. The use of the award-winning Australian Owned Certified trademark (“logo”) for business evokes trust and confidence because it’s certified. No one can just slap the Australian Owned Certified logo on their marketing material or products.

We are passionate about Aussie dollars staying right here in Australia because when businesses are Aussie owned, profits stay here and are reinvested here, supporting Aussie jobs and growing the economy. It’s as simple (and as important) as that.

Give locally-owned products a fair go

Australian-owned businesses are facing increasing pressure from foreign-owned brands in supermarkets, with local products often being placed out of reach for consumers.

Brand certifier Australian Owned is now pushing for supermarkets and politicians to give locally-owned products a fair go on store shelves.

Australian Owned General Manager Kristy Ponting states that the foreign brands have a market power advantage with the amount of money they have behind them, which allows them to have prime space on shelves while the Aussie businesses are left with the less visible spots.

To combat this, Australian Owned and local businesses are supporting a campaign to ensure Australian Owned products are supported by our supermarkets. Foreign brands currently dominate supermarket shelves and Australian Owned are petitioning for greater support for Australian products in supermarkets, similar to the film industry where 30% of content has to be Australian.

Australian Owned is also challenging politicians to go to bat for local businesses, literally, with a cricket match where the Australian team will face off against “The Rest of the World” team, with the latter given every advantage to win.

Glenn McGrath, team captain of the ‘Australian Owned’ team will be stepping onto the pitch to stand up for the homegrown (and owned) team as they face off against the odds and the Foreign Owned team.

“I’m excited to be going to bat for Australian Owned in the Unfairest Cricket Match I will have played in my career, that’s for sure! I’m proud to be standing up for Australian owned businesses and hope that our team will be filled with other influential supporters that endorse giving Australian owned businesses a fair go,” he said.

View the petition here: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN4636

GO TO BAT for Australian Owned

Go to Bat for Australian Owned with Glenn McGrath and help us make a real difference!

Australian owned businesses called for the help of eleven key decision makers, who had all publicly expressed their endorsement for supporting Australian businesses, to go to bat in the ‘Unfairest Cricket Match’ that’s ever been played. But with eleven no shows, it was everyday Aussies that had to step up.

With these influential figures noticeably absent, Glenn McGrath, Captain of the ‘Australian Owned’ team, had to enlist the help of everyday Aussies at Kensington Oval, NSW yesterday to build the ‘Australian Owned’ team to face off against the ‘The Rest of the World’ team.

McGrath said: “It was disappointing to see that Australia’s leaders couldn’t go to bat for the ‘Australian Owned’ team today. Luckily, we were able to draft some supportive and enthusiastic Aussies to don their cricket whites and help us have a fair go.”

The ‘Unfairest Cricket Match’ saw the ‘Australian Owned’ team face disadvantages similar in scale to the ones they face in supermarkets, unfair decisions like poor shelf position and distribution were brought to life with tiny cricket bats, six-foot-tall stumps and an unfair umpire that had no problem looking the other way.

McGrath continued: “Without a doubt this is the unfairest cricket match that I’ve ever played. It was clear as soon as the match began that no matter how good a cricketer you are, if you’re facing disadvantages like these then you’re going to lose. Experiencing this on the pitch brought to life the struggles that Australian owned businesses are facing in the supermarkets, and I hope that the game today will help level the playing field for them off the pitch.”

After a gruelling and unfair match, the ‘Rest of the World’ team beat the ‘Australian Owned’ team by a total of nine wickets. The result was echoed with disappointment from spectators who were outraged that the ‘win’ was achieved using unjust disadvantages against the Aussie Owned team.

Mark Caine, Director of Sales and Marketing for Massel stated “As an Australian owned business, we understand and can relate to the struggle that the Aussie Owned team faced today. Watching them play against the Rest of the World team with smaller bats, huge stumps and the unfair umpire was similar to experiences we face in supermarkets against our foreign owned competitors.”

Australian Owned and its members are calling for Aussies to help level the playing field off the cricket pitch, as current estimations have revealed that only 15 percent of supermarket trolleys contain Aussie owned products.

Australians across the nation are invited to sign a petition to give Australian owned businesses a fair go in our supermarkets. This petition stipulates that food and grocery retailers must provide preferential shelf space allocation highlighting Australian owned brands in each product category.

General Manager of Australian Owned, Kristy Ponting, says: “It was brilliant to see Australians go to bat for Australian Owned when our policy makers couldn’t. We hope that today has shone a light on the disadvantages facing so many Australian owned brands and that Australians will continue to stand behind us in order to make a change that will give Aussie owned brands a fair go at getting great value, quality products onto Australian supermarket shelves and help our economy in the long term.”

Morgan Engineering: Australian Owned Business of the Year

Australian Owned are proud to announce Morgan Engineering as 2022 Business of the Year. A first of its kind, the Australian Owned Business Awards recognises businesses that have demonstrated excellence and commitment to Australian operations.

The awards seek out the leading lights of the Australian business industry, looking for those whose creativity, commitment, experience and strong leadership in Australian operations have helped them achieve success in an increasingly challenging business climate.

We received an overwhelming number of nominations for the Business of the Year Award, judged across four different categories including operations, marketing, innovation and commitment and communication.

Morgan Engineering is at the forefront of global engineering innovation, while maintaining a strong local, Australian-owned focus. They believe that being Australian Owned is an integral part of the company’s day-to-day operations and this is reflected through their products, services, and overall business operation.

Australian Owned General Manager, Kristy Ponting, said this was an incredible result for the first year of holding these awards.

“Leading a business to success can be a tough challenge in the best of times. COVID-19 made a significant impact on businesses’ operational environments with many struggling to survive,” said Ms Ponting.

“The Australian Owned Business Awards were introduced to acknowledge and reward the exceptional results, dedication, expertise and sheer hard work of our Australian Owned Certified businesses and Morgan Engineering have exceeded all expectations.”

Founded in 1975 in Singleton, Morgan Engineering has grown from a small engineering shop, supplying to local family-owned businesses, to one of the most extensive engineering suppliers in the Hunter Valley. Over 50% of Morgan Engineering’s supplier spend is through Australian family-owned businesses.

“Choosing Australian first is close to our heart in every aspect of our business operation,” said Morgan Engineering General Manager, Jeremy Brett.

“By partnering with local suppliers, we can guarantee that our customers receive that extra stamp of approval, knowing that every product and service is in line with Australian guidelines.”

Being Australian Owned is an unwritten policy for Morgan Engineering. It is engraved into their values and how they operate.

“Employing local talent and tradespeople into our business, we are supporting the local community by providing job opportunities – which is extremely important to our team. We are so proud to have won this award,” concluded Mr Brett.

You can learn more about Morgan Engineering here.

Australian Owned has a mission to support the Australian business community and give businesses the tools to grow and contribute to the long-term prosperity of this country.

Be part of Australia’s growth, support Australian Owned Certified business. You can search our Australian business register online at www.ausowned.com.au.

Australian Owned Business Awards 2022

Australian Owned are proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Annual Business Awards. A first of its kind, the Australian Owned Business Awards recognises businesses that have demonstrated excellence and commitment to Australian operations.

The Australian Owned Business Awards were introduced to acknowledge and reward the exceptional work and results gained by the trailblazers of Australian industries.

Whilst COVID lockdowns highlighted the gaping holes in worldwide distribution and supply chains, it also brought out the incredible ingenuity and fighting spirit of Australian business.

An overwhelming number of nominations were received and each award nomination was judged with points awarded in categories including operations, marketing, innovation and communication.

The winners of the inaugural Australian Owned Business Awards are:

Achievement Award – Louthera Australia
Best Emerging Business – Bright Spark Power
Ambassador of the Year – Woodshield
Business of the Year Award – Morgan Engineering

Australian Owned General Manager, Kristy Ponting said she was impressed by the high calibre of the nominations received.

“These awards are about showcasing the dedication, expertise and sheer hard work of our Australian Owned Certified businesses and the award recipients speak for themselves.”

Australian Owned has a mission to support the Australian business community and give businesses the tools to grow and contribute to the long-term prosperity of this country.

Be part of Australia’s growth, support Australian Owned Certified business. You can search our Australian business register online at www.ausowned.com.au.

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Australian Owned, proud supporter of APOD

Recognising & Supporting Australian Veterans

A new partnership with Australian Owned (“AO”) and Australia’s official veteran benefits program, Australian Partners of Defence (“APOD”) will offer AO certified businesses an opportunity to be exposed to their growing membership base of over 110,000 registered veterans.

APOD was established in 2012, to provide recognition and support to those who have served, and their families. The discount platform makes it easier for veterans to find and securely access meaningful benefits from businesses that recognise their service in a variety of different ways.

Founder Rebecca Waller established APOD with the belief that Veterans are loyal and support those who support them, but it can be a challenge for businesses to know how to reach them.

Identifying a gap in the market, Rebecca created APOD to bridge the gap between businesses and the military community, by providing a platform so that defence and veteran families know where to look to easily find and securely access exclusive offers that are just for them.

How does APOD work? Business offers are listed on APOD’s closed member website and can only be viewed and redeemed by registered APOD members. Online offers can be redeemed using a unique link and/or a promotional code. For in-store offers, APOD members are required to show either a physical or digital APOD card at point of sale.

“We are delighted to partner with APOD to support their mission in recognising those who are currently or have formerly served our country and their families,” said Australian Owned General Manager Kristy Ponting.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our certified business network to support veteran families and gain access to APOD’s closed and rapidly growing network of defence veteran members.”

There are a wide range of businesses already participating, from retailers with hundreds of outlets Australia-wide through to veteran-owned and operated small businesses.

“We encourage all Australian Owned Certified businesses to get on board,” concluded Ms Ponting.

Business: Click here to become an APOD business partner for free.

“If you are a current or former defence member, reservist, veteran, allied military personnel or an immediate family member, we encourage you to join APOD, which was created exclusively for you. DVA Veteran Card holders get free automatic access to the APOD program which provides more than 3,000 offers, at over 24,000 locations Australia wide” said APOD CEO Paul Broadbridge

Defence Member/Veteran: To become an APOD member, join here.

For more information contact [email protected].

Fuel Crisis Highlights Need for Australian Sovereignty

18 March 2022

Australians have been reminded of the risk of supply interruptions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The war and subsequent sanctions against Russia have sent local fuel prices soaring by at least a quarter to well beyond $2 a litre in much of Australia.

Recent natural disasters and the supply pressures caused by the sanctions have shown it is vital to hold a sovereign refining capability that meets our needs during an emergency, as well as into the future.

We now currently import around 90% of our liquid fuels, much of it from Singapore, South Korea, Japan, China and the US. This is a vastly different picture from Australia’s position 20 years ago, when there were eight oil refineries located strategically around the country.

The gradual disappearance of local oil refining capacity has seen fuel storage levels drop dramatically, from 90 days supply to less than 30 days supply.

Australia’s fuel security is essential for our national security and underpins our economy.

A spokesperson for the Federal Energy Minister, Angus Taylor, said the Morrison government is taking “strong, proactive measures to further enhance our domestic fuel security.” These included subsidising the two refineries until at least mid-2027, introducing a minimum stockholding obligation to safeguard levels of key transport fuels, and increasing onshore diesel stocks by 40% with industry through a $260m grants program.

Whilst supply issues will continue, this is a timely reminder of the importance of Australian-based and owned businesses, as they are the backbone of the Australian economic landscape. Supporting Australian owned oil suppliers will help keep more Australians employed and will invest money directly back into our communities – which we so desperately need.

Riordan Fuels is an Aussie-owned business with 100% of their fuel produced in Geelong, Victoria. They provide Aussies with an extensive fuel network that expands across regional Victoria, metropolitan Victoria and Southern NSW.

Officially certified as an Australian Owned business, Riordan Fuels have seven service stations and more than 40 self-service diesel tanks along with 50 private fuel tanks in its fuel distribution network which are maintained round the clock by their modern fleet of trucks & fuel tankers.

Employing over 65 people, Riordan Fuels started with a big vision to become the leader in fuel supply to regional communities and that is exactly what they have done. They have a strong customer base and commitment to regional areas.

“Because we are an Aussie owned family business we are part of the community which we serve,” said Riordan Fuels Owner, Robert Riordan.

“Supporting Aussie owned businesses is crucial as communities recover and rebuild post COVID-19. It’s important to keep the country’s cities and towns active and alive. Buying from Aussie owned businesses keeps money moving through our economy, keeps Aussies in jobs and contributes to the fabric of our communities.”

Australian Owned Certified businesses are all about Australia. They are Australian people. In Australian communities. Investing directly in the Australian economy.

“It’s important to us to be part of a national initiative like Australian Owned that’s strengthening communities through jobs and investment and contributing to the long-term prosperity of this country,” said Mr Riordan.

Is your business Australian Owned? Support the initiative by making an application for certification online at www.ausowned.com.au.

2022 Federal Election: Statement of Priorities

Federal Election Priorities 2022

INVEST IN AUSTRALIA

Australian Owned has publicly released its 2022 Federal Election Statement of Priorities. Informed by formal submissions from our certified business community which consists of business owners and operators as well as engaged discussion with our consumer-based audience of 1.7 million Australian group members, this document outlines two national policy initiatives that will optimise partnerships between the Commonwealth, the Australian business sector, and the consumer.

Thousands of businesses have sought Australian Owned certification in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the vulnerability of the Australian economy to foreign-owned supply chains.

Investing in Australian business and ensuring that investment is genuine and qualified is more important than ever. Too often we see profits meant for Australia, sent offshore with multi‐nationals paying almost no tax and whose business interest cannot be relied on.

Australian Owned certification supports and promotes genuine Australian business. We are Australia’s only trusted and transparent certification system that ensures business and products are genuinely Australian owned and made. This ensures profits stay in Australia, are invested in the Australian economy, supporting the long-term prosperity of our country.

In this election, we are looking for the next government to implement procurement policies and programs to genuinely benefit Australian owned and operated businesses. Equally as important is the requirement that ownership and manufacturing is qualified to an acceptable degree, benefiting Australia, and protecting our supply chain.

Keeping profits and security in Australia must be a priority.

Whilst the current public sentiment and Government support for Australian business is encouraging, there continues to be flaws in procurement frameworks around the country.

We strongly support action under these priorities, which puts Australian business first. We encourage the incoming Federal Government to develop an integrated cross-departmental, collaborative, and cross-sector policy framework that provides stronger and more active support for the Australian business sector.

These priorities were developed following extensive consultation and collaboration with our certified licensee network, as well as business owners and consumers across the country.

Alongside our business community and Australian consumer base, we are now calling on all parties and candidates to support these national priorities ahead of the election and empower Australian-owned businesses to play a meaningful role in Australia’s recovery.

AO-2022-Federal-Election-Priorities-3 Download

Australia: Don’t Leave Aussie Business Behind

AUSTRALIA: DON’T LEAVE AUSSIE BUSINESS BEHIND

It is encouraging to see the recently unveiled national Australian logo ‘Only in Australia’ – to jump start much needed trade and investment.

Whilst millions of Aussie dollars thrown behind a new national logo design might appear as a great step forward, we must ensure we do not leave Aussie business owners and manufacturers behind in the process.

Local manufacturing is critical to a modern Australian economy. It is a vital part of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and is key to almost every supply chain. Transparency in ownership and manufacturing is crucial for sustainable long term growth and to keep investment here.

Too often we see profits meant for Australia, sent offshore with multi‐nationals paying almost no tax. When businesses are genuinely owned by Australians, profits stay here and are invested here. This is integral to our economic growth, creating new jobs and contributing to the long-term prosperity of our great country.

A national, trusted and transparent business ownership certification is crucial if we truly believe in promoting and investing in Australia.

Australian Owned General Manager, Kristy Ponting, said a tick box “claiming Australian ownership” is not enough.

“Australian Owned was founded with a vision to build transparency and trust in the Australian Owned Certified logo for both business and the consumer,” said Ms Ponting.

“The AO logo isn’t a tokentistic stamp of Aussie approval. It’s an official certification. This means that businesses can’t use the logo unless they have gone through our stringent certification process.”

Australian Owned has seen significant and rapid growth since its establishment. This confirms that ownership and manufacturing matters to the general public and business.

Businesses can apply for their certification via the Australian Owned website.

ENDS

For enquiries, contact [email protected].

About Australian Owned:

Australian Owned (AO) was established to promote and support businesses that are owned by Aussies. This extends to businesses that offer services and to those who manufacture their products right here in Australia. This means profits stay here and are reinvested here, supporting Aussie jobs and growing the economy.

When a business applies for certification, a qualified compliance team breaks down complex company structures and guarantees Australian ownership and manufacturing.

Only businesses with considerable Australian influence are awarded an Australian Owned Certified logo, signifying, and recognising that the Australian economy will benefit by the support of the business/ product bearing the logo.

Products that have the Australian Owned Certified logo on a label or product packaging are proving that their production is ‘significantly Australian’ (materials, ingredients, labour hours etc) and in recognition, have been granted approval, in accordance with the Australian Owned Certification Rules (as lodged with the ACCC), to display the Australian Owned Certified logo.

The trusted AO logo says:

Transparency in ownership and manufacturing
Due Diligence
Quality Control
Quality Compliance Professionals
Application Examination
Business Operation Evaluation
Determination of significant Australian influence in business operations