RBA cash rate hold underlines need for productivity push

Retailers today urged governments across Australia to address the deepening productivity challenge following the RBA’s decision to hold the...

Retailers today urged governments across Australia to address the deepening productivity challenge following the RBA’s decision to hold the cash rate. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) say excessive and escalating regulation is undermining economic capacity and fuelling inflationary pressures. ARA CEO Chris Rodwell said a...

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Retailers welcome tough new Victorian retail crime laws – renew calls for swift Workplace Protection Orders, permanent retail crime taskforce

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the passage of Victoria’s new worker-protection laws...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the passage of Victoria’s new worker-protection laws this week, which introduce tougher penalties for abuse, threats and assaults against retail, fast food, hospitality and transport workers.  Under new laws, which will be in effect before Christmas, a serious...

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Robust October retail spending a solid platform for peak season trading

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) said today’s ABS data showing a 5.7% annual rise...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) said today’s ABS data showing a 5.7% annual rise in retail spending for the month of October demonstrates continued momentum for the sector, despite a sensitive economic environment and ongoing uncertainty around the interest rate outlook. Seasonally adjusted retail spending for...

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NSW must halt Bill granting unprecedented access to business digital systems

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have raised alarm over proposed NSW legislation that would...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have raised alarm over proposed NSW legislation that would give Health and Safety Representatives and union officials unprecedented access to employers’ digital systems — raising serious concerns about privacy, confidentiality and the protection of sensitive business information.   The Work Health...

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WA Retail Barring Orders a major step forward in protecting retail workers and communities

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the WA Government’s introduction of the Retail Barring...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the WA Government’s introduction of the Retail Barring Orders Bill 2025 (RBOs) — a significant milestone in efforts to combat repeat retail crime and strengthen safety across the sector.  The new laws will allow police and retailers to issue...

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Australian Retail Council to launch 1 February 2026

Fair Work Commission approval paves way for new era of unity and leadership in retail  The Australian Retailers Association (ARA)...

Fair Work Commission approval paves way for new era of unity and leadership in retail  The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have welcomed the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) approval of their amalgamation — the final step in establishment of the Australian Retail Council (ARC), which will officially...

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Passing of WPO legislation heralds new era of retail safety in South Australia

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have welcomed the passing of Workplace Protection Order (WPO)...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have welcomed the passing of Workplace Protection Order (WPO) legislation in the South Australian Parliament — a landmark moment for retail worker safety and a major step forward in the national fight against retail crime.  ARA CEO Chris Rodwell said the...

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Retailers welcome bipartisan focus to tackle retail crime in Victoria

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the strengthened, bipartisan commitment to address Victoria’s retail crime crisis– with both the Government and Opposition signaling support for stronger protections for retail workers, including Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs)...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the strengthened, bipartisan commitment to address Victoria’s retail crime crisis– with both the Government and Opposition signaling support for stronger protections for retail workers, including Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs) and tougher assault penalties. ARA CEO Chris Rodwell said the renewed focus across Parliament shows retail crime is a shared priority. “It’s encouraging to see both sides of Victorian politics recognise the scale of the crisis and take action,” Mr Rodwell said. “Retail crime is not a political issue – it’s a community safety issue, and an urgent one.” The ARA and NRA strongly support...

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Mandatory safety standards for Infant Sleep Products

On 18 July 2024, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) introduced two new mandatory safety standards aimed at...

On 18 July 2024, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) introduced two new mandatory safety standards aimed at reducing the risk of death and injury linked to products used by infants during sleep. An 18-month transition period has been provided to help industry adjust and implement the necessary changes. From...

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Retailers welcome Victorian Government commitment to Workplace Protection Orders and worker assault legislation, but warn there’s no time to waste

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to Workplace Protection Orders...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs) and long-awaited new laws to strengthen penalties for assaults, abuse and harassment against retail workers — and urge the Government to act quickly to deliver real change.  ARA CEO Chris...

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Retailers commend Queensland Government’s forward-thinking commitment to small business safety

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the Queensland Government’s continued commitment to retail and...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the Queensland Government’s continued commitment to retail and small business safety through Round 2 of the $40 million Secure Communities Partnership Program — a practical investment to help small and family-run retailers deter crime and protect their teams.  The Crisafulli Government’s...

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Retail spending steady ahead of critical Christmas trading period

Today’s Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showing a 4.3% rise in retail spending over the past year reflects a solid...

Today’s Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showing a 4.3% rise in retail spending over the past year reflects a solid foundation for retailers as they enter the vital pre-Christmas trading season the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said today. The Monthly Household Spending Indicator for September 2025 shows total...

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State in crisis: Victorians demand action on retail crime

Victorians are calling for action on retail crime with new research revealing 79% are concerned about the state’s rising crime...

Victorians are calling for action on retail crime with new research revealing 79% are concerned about the state’s rising crime levels.  With retail crime at crisis levels, the research supports calls by retailers and unions for the urgent introduction of Workplace Protection Orders, tougher laws and a dedicated retail crime police...

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South Australia’s landmark workplace protection laws a game-changer for retail worker safety

Retailers have applauded plans to introduce a new bill into South Australian Parliament to establish Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs),...

Retailers have applauded plans to introduce a new bill into South Australian Parliament to establish Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs), giving police and courts stronger powers to keep repeat offenders out of retail stores. Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO Chris Rodwell said the SA Government is setting the standard in leading...

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Abolishing junior wage rates will create higher youth unemployment

Abolishing junior wage rates would significantly reduce retail employment opportunities for young Australians, and many small businesses say it...

Abolishing junior wage rates would significantly reduce retail employment opportunities for young Australians, and many small businesses say it would force them to select more experienced workers, according to new research. The results come at a time when youth unemployment is rising and sits at more than double the...

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NSW Retail Crime Strategy strengthens protections for retail workers and customers

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the launch today of the New South Wales Police...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the launch today of the New South Wales Police Force Retail Crime Strategy to tackle retail crime and keep communities safe across the state. Operation Percentile, a policing model targeting recidivist offending and high-harm retail offenders, is a key element of...

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