As we progress towards the unification of our industry with the amalgamation of the NRA and ARA, we look forward to providing regular updates to keep our member community informed.
We have a date – Australian Retail Council launches 1 February 2026!
We are delighted to announce the official amalgamation date for the Australian Retail Council (ARC) of 1 February 2026.
This news follows the Fair Work Commission (FWC) hearing this morning, where we received formal approval to proceed with amalgamation. This historic milestone marks a new era in our shared history of more than 120 years supporting the Australian retail community. We can now deliver on our promise of creating a unified voice for retail, ensuring every Australian respects and celebrates its sustaining contribution to communities across our nation.
What does this mean for members?
As a foundation member of ARC, we are pleased to confirm your membership fees will be grandfathered for 12 months from amalgamation date – that is, until 1 February 2027. This special provision applies only to ARA and NRA members who are financial members as of today, 28 November 2025. Your existing member services continue as normal throughout this transition period. We look forward to delivering enhanced ARC member services in the months ahead.
If you have any questions, concerns or feedback please reach out to your existing membership teams or contact ARC CEO Designate Chris Rodwell via email.
It’s a yes! Australian Retail Council wins member vote
We are thrilled to announce a resounding ‘yes’ vote from members to the proposed amalgamation of our organisations to form the Australian Retail Council (ARC).
Thank you to everyone who supported this process. It is fantastic to have received such high member engagement, with 1238 formal votes cast across the memberships of both organisations, with 92.7% in favour of amalgamation.
This powerful vote of confidence is a significant step forward in our Fair Work Commission application. At an upcoming FWC hearing we will resolve the formal date of amalgamation.
We anticipate that from early next year ARC will be operating as a unified industry body, proudly representing the interests of our $430 billion sector, which employs one in ten Australians.
AEC: Notice to ARA and NRA members for Amalgamation Ballot
Ballot Order: D2025/5
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has ordered that the AEC conduct a vote by secret ballot (the Ballot), to decide whether the employer organisations the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association Limited, Union of Employers (NRA) amalgamate to form the Australian Retail Council.
Who is eligible to vote? The persons to be balloted are persons who are members of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association Limited, Union of Employers (NRA) on 5 September 2025.
Voting Period: The ballot will be conducted by post and will commence on Friday 26 September 2025 and close at 10:00am Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) Thursday 23 October 2025.
Replacement Voter Pack: If the postal vote pack is not received by 9 October 2025, voters may contact the AEC to request a replacement voter pack by calling 02 9375 6366 or 03 9285 7111 or by sending email to IEBevents@aec.gov.au referring to the Ballot Order D2025/5.
Changed Address? Advise your Organisation now. The postal vote pack will be sent to your current postal address as provided to the AEC by your Organisation.
Privacy: The AEC handles personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Further information can also be found in the relevant AEC Privacy page and the IEB page collection notice.
What question will be on the ballot paper?
Eligible voters of ARA will be asked the following question:
- Do you approve the proposed amalgamation Australian Retailers Association with National Retail Association Limited, Union of Employers, in accordance with the scheme for amalgamation, a copy of the outline of which has been sent to you with this ballot paper?
Eligible voters of NRA will be asked the following question:
- Do you approve the proposed amalgamation of National Retail Association Limited, Union of Employers with Australian Retailers Association, in accordance with the scheme for amalgamation, a copy of the outline of which has been sent to you with this ballot paper?
More Information: If you would like more information about the Ballot, please refer to the AEC website at: https://www.aec.gov.au/elections/aranra/
AEC Update September 2025
We’re pleased to share a significant step forward in the amalgamation process between the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA).
On Friday 29 August, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) instructed the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to conduct a ballot of members from both organisations on the proposed amalgamation.
Key dates
- Ballot opens: 26 September 2025
- Ballot closes: 23 October 2025
- Next steps: Following the ballot, the AEC will declare a result. At least 30 days later, the FWC will hold a hearing to finalise the process.
This milestone marks an exciting moment in our journey, though there is still important work ahead to ensure ARC launches from the strongest possible foundation.
We thank our members for their ongoing support, and extend special thanks to the Council and Board members assisting behind the scenes with the AEC’s process. Together, we’re building a stronger future for Australian retail.
Member FAQs
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When will amalgamation occur?
Following the Fair Work Commission (FWC) hearing on 28 November 2025, we are pleased to announce the official amalgamation date for the Australian Retail Council (ARC) will be 1 February 2026.
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Will my fees go up or down?
For foundation members of ARC, membership fees will be grandfathered for 12 months from amalgamation date – that is, until 1 February 2027. This special provision applies only to ARA and NRA members who are financial members as of 28 November 2025.
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How are the two entities working together now – what’s changed?
The two organisations are already uniting around advocacy and policy matters and, as well as a shared calendar of industry events and will continue to grow all areas of collaboration in the coming months.
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Who do I contact about my membership issues?
Please continue to reach out to your current Membership Manager for any membership matters until the amalgamation is formally complete.
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Can I participate in NRA / ARA activities now?
Yes, you can participate in a number of events. Our events are open to both NRA and ARA members.
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Who will lead the new entity?
Chris Rodwell, current CEO of the ARA and CEO Designate of ARC, will lead the amalgamated organisation.
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How will you ensure ARA and NRA key team stability through the transition?
Team collaboration across the two entities is a key part of our current focus. Both teams are involved in the planning for the amalgamation. As part of the detailed work to plan for the new organisation we are working to confirm the new organisation and roles for the current teams.
Governance
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What will the governance structure be for the new entity?
Subject to review and approval by the Fair Work Commission, the new entity will be governed by a new board with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 9 members with the Chair of the board appointed from within. The new entity Board will ensure that smaller retailers are represented with a minimum of 2 members being from retailers with between 1 and 9 retail stores. It will also ensure gender balance with no gender holding less than 40% of board seats.
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When will the new board be established?
We will be establishing a transitional board which will come into being on the first day of the new entity. This will be drawn from members of the ARA Council and NRA Board. This board will serve until elections for the new entity Board are held.
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Can I apply to be on the new board? And what are the rules for election to the new board?
Members are eligible to be represented on the Board of the new entity subject to fulfilling the ordinary nomination processes and being elected in accordance with the rules of the new entity, once approved by the Fair Work Commission.
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How will SMBs be represented on the new board?
We will ensure SMB representation by ensuring a minimum of 2 seats on the board are from organisations with between 1 and 9 retail stores.
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How are member votes calculated across the two entities – it is it a percentage of votes for each? What percentage is required for the motion to pass?
A simple majority of votes cast in the ballot to approve the amalgamation is required to approve the amalgamation with both organisations needing to have approval from their members for the amalgamation to progress.
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How many votes can I have as a member?
Each member has one vote.
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How many votes can I have at the AGM?
One vote per motion.
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Can members vote at both NRA and ARA AGMs?
Each member is entitled to vote at the AGM of the organisation to which they have current paid membership. If they are a paid member of both the ARA and NRA they are entitled to vote at each AGM.