Good to see the Herald Sun provide coverage this morning to moves by the Victorian State Government to cut revenue earned by newsagents for selling transport tickets.
The anti-small business moves by the Victorian Government follow those of State Governments in New South Wales, Queensland and elsewhere. To these governments, their profit is more important than fairness for small business. Indeed, the decisions by each of the State Governments have jobs at risk.
The challenge for newsagents is that a key retail competitor, 7-Eleven has signed to sell Myki cards and top-up. The TTA has made it easier for 7-Eleven by integrating with their software. Newsagents are yet to see progress on this. This is important since reducing operational costs like this at the newsagency could help make the cut to income more palatable.
My comments on Myki since the announcement in September 2006 can be found here.
Also good to hear Peter Cowley from Vana on ABC breakfast radio this morning with the same message. Good interview that came across well for newsagents.