Check out the letter a newsagent in South Australia received from their local federal member of parliament in response to a letter on the EFTPOS issue. It is lame yet typical of the letters and ‘assistance’ newsagents have received for as long as I can remember. I love how they try and sell themselves and take a swipe at the other side.
Both sides of politics have played a role in the EFTPOS situation we face today.
Here is the full text of the letter:
Thank you for your emailed letter advising me of your concerns regarding the recent changes to the EFTPOS system in Australia that will come into effect in October this year. As I am sure you are aware in recent days EFTPOS Australia have announced specific details of the new fee structure. The details of the announcement can be found on; www.eftpospayments.com.au.
The Coalition has always stood up for small business, ensuring that a level playing field between all businesses exists in order to promote competition.
You will have heard our Shadow Treasurer, Joe Hockey voice his concerns with the lack of competition in the banking and payments sectors has allowed banks and financial institutions to increase fees without increasing the quality of service.
However in this case, EFTPOS has said that they need to upgrade their network so they can compete with the likes of the Visa and Mastercard payment systems. I have been told that EFTPOS conducted a significant stakeholder consultation and agreed that the fee structure would ensure both stability and competition in the industry. Significantly the changes have been welcomed by “Choice”.
I note that there were several changes foreshadowed in the article that were not contained in the final plan released on the 8th March. I have been told that this is in response to the stakeholder consultation undertaken by EFTPOS payments Australia.
The only real way to ensure better rates and products in our banking and payments sector is to facilitate more competition in the sector. The Coalition released its Nine Point Plan to encourage competition in October last year. Sadly, the government’s response did not include any positive initiatives to help small business.
You quite rightly raise the issue of predatory pricing. Like many I have been disappointed the ACCC seems reluctant to become involved with actions to eliminate or reduce unfair practices.
Therefore the current debate surrounding milk becomes an important case for many other industries in Australia.
Thank you for taking the time to write to me. I always appreciate hearing your views .
SincerelyROWAN RAMSEY
I would rather Rowan have said that he would do something specific like make representations to the RBA on this matter.
We also got a response from a rep for our local member. It said, to parphrase, ‘we’ll get back to you’.
No response from any of the goverment representatives I emailed. I’ll send them a follow up email today.
No response from my member either
i fax a copy to both his local office and Canberra office
I have sent a letter to Cindy McLeish, along with many other businesses in Seymour, and to date we have received nothing!
My member (Dutton) has forwarded my letter to the Minister for an answer, sent me a copy of his letter and provided an update as well.
Brett, I got the same response from Dutton office yesterday.
As a response from a politician, this is far from the worst i’ve seen. The MP in question (or at least his office) have at least done some research and made some enquiries.
My letter was forwarded onto the Treasurer Wayne Swan.
As yet not response from Wayne Swan to my local member who fowarded the letter to him.