Reports
Report from the Produce and Grocery Industry Ombudsman: 1 July 2011 - 30 September 2011
Enquiries
There have been 6 enquiries received during this period, which is a slightly lower rate of enquiry than that reported during the previous quarter (9 enquiries).
Early Intervention/Stage 1 Dispute Resolution
Information regarding the service has been provided to all enquirers. 3 of the 6 enquirers have been content with this level of assistance at this stage. 2 enquirers have been encouraged to use the Stage 1 process (contact the other party using their internal procedures) and have been assisted with regards to the most appropriate way to do this. These 2 enquirers have been content with this level of assistance at this stage. 1 enquirer requested mediation. However, upon further exploration with our office the party requesting mediation agreed to the PGIO assisting direct communications. This issue was between a wholesale producer and a retailer. The issue was resolved with the assistance of the PGIO.
Referrals
We have referred 1 enquirer to an industry association for further support. This issue involved costs stipulated by retailers. The enquirer did not have a direct relationship with the retailer and therefore could not be assisted directly by our office.
Applications for Mediation
During this last reporting period we have received 1 formal application for mediation. This fee was returned as resolution was reached through the PGIO Early Intervention service. No application fees were waived during this period.
Mediation
No mediation appointment was made during this period. However, 1 mediation was conducted (appointment made during previous reporting period). This mediation involved pricing and quality issues pertaining to banana supplied by a grower to a wholesaler. The parties agreed to mediate. Mediation resulted in a resolution and an agreement to continue the supply relationship.
Certificates Issued Under Cluase 10.17 of the PGICC
There have been no Certificates issued under Clause 10.17 during this reporting period.
Education and Awareness
We continue to focus on our Education and Awareness programme. During this reporting period we have contacted and met with various industry associations, provided articles for industry publications, been interviewed for regional radio stations, distributed information to key industry bodies and provided information sessions for industry participants.
Details of any Complaints Received
There have been no complaints received during this period in relation to the PGIO service provided by our office or the service provided by any Ombudsman’s Representative appointed by our office.
Issues and Emerging Trends
At this point in time we do not see any problems with the effectiveness of the Code for the purpose of dispute resolution. We have not witnessed any emerging trends or issues.
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