BII chief: Industry is starting to unite

BII chief executive Neil Robertson says there is evidence the industry is beginning to unite on key issues - which is vital for getting the government to listen to its concerns.

In the last few weeks, trade group heads have teamed up to respond to issues, including the highly critical Business and Enterprise Committee report into pubcos and government plans to impose mandatory responsible retailing conditions on the industry.

And yesterday Robertson met with other trade group leaders to rubber stamp plans for a cut-price rent adjudication system for licensees, which he expects to be up and running by the end of next month.

He said: "The letter to the Home Office (regarding mandatory conditions) started with Best Bar None and represents the whole industry which makes a much stronger case.

"The industry is speaking together and it is so important to be united. There are still some differences of opinion but people are now looking for opportunities to work together rather than amplifying differences."

Robertson, who worked in various government departments before joining the BII at the start of the year, added: "Speaking together is not necessarily enough but people certainly won't listen if there is a divided message. Delivering that message is still a challenge but we are up for that."

Robertson has also identified areas where he wants to see the BII improve its services.

This includes offering better support to licensees when they first join the industry, helping tenants and lessees access training and helping them obtain government funding and providing literacy and numeracy assistance to licensees.

"The question is often asked why do some people not to do stock takes," he said, "and sometimes this can be because people just don't have the confidence or numeracy and literacy skills."

He also wants the industry to market itself better and to promote the opportunities it offers for careers.