Retailers support productivity focus by Albanese Government

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) strongly support the focus of the Albanese Government...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) strongly support the focus of the Albanese Government on productivity in its second term. Responding to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese’s National Press Club address today, ARA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Rodwell said: “Every Australian has a vested interest in...

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Victorian retailers back urgent action to ban machetes

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) say the Victorian Government’s decision to ban the sale...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) say the Victorian Government’s decision to ban the sale of machetes is an important response to the horrifying events at Northland shopping centre last night, but broader reforms are urgently needed. “Data shows that criminals are increasingly using knives and...

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SA retail crime improvement highlights impact of focused government response

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have acknowledged positive results released this week by South...

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have acknowledged positive results released this week by South Australia around retail theft and broader crime categories, as an example of what’s achievable nationally. South Australian Treasurer, Stephen Mulligan, said the state has seen a drop for the fifth consecutive...

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PFAS session recording available

We understand that some businesses may still be experiencing confusion or challenges while preparing for the new PFAS controls due...

We understand that some businesses may still be experiencing confusion or challenges while preparing for the new PFAS controls due to come into effect 1 July.  On Friday 4 April, National Retail facilitated an Industry Information Session with guest speaker Sonia Goldie, Director – Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Section, DCCEEW. Ms Goldie provided an...

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ACCC announces 2025-26 compliance and enforcement priorities

Every year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) identifies key areas to focus its compliance and enforcement work...

Every year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) identifies key areas to focus its compliance and enforcement work to promote competition among business, promote fair trading by business and protect consumers in their dealings with business. The ACCC recently announced their 2025-26 Compliance and Enforcement priorities, with a key...

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New mandatory information standard for toppling furniture – how to apply to your furniture products

The ACCC declared a new mandatory product standard in May 2024 setting a series of labelling and information requirements...

The ACCC declared a new mandatory product standard in May 2024 setting a series of labelling and information requirements for a range of free-standing furniture. The standard will come into effect on 4 May 2025. Businesses can access the legislative instrument here. The ACCC has also provided a set of...

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Info session: NSW Plastics Plan

Free information session for businesses Thursday 24 October 3pm AEDT Earlier this year, NSW EPA heard feedback on the NSW Plastics:...

Free information session for businesses Thursday 24 October 3pm AEDT Earlier this year, NSW EPA heard feedback on the NSW Plastics: Next Steps issues paper, which helped to inform the development of proposed actions on plastic pollution in NSW. The NSW Government has now published the NSW Plastics: The Way Forward action...

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Australian Government: Packaging Reform Consultation

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT Stakeholder update on Packaging Regulatory Reform Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water...

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION FROM AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT Stakeholder update on Packaging Regulatory Reform Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Webinar: 25 September 2024, 11am - 12pm AEST - SOLD OUT *First session sold out, Second session announced: Thurs 26 Sept 11.30am Register here > UPDATE: Paper released: https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/reform-of-packaging-regulation Join DCCEEW for an...

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Have your say: NSW Plastics Plan 2025-2030

New NSW Plastics Paper open for industry feedback now NSW EPA published an exploratory paper with a consultation and submission...

New NSW Plastics Paper open for industry feedback now NSW EPA published an exploratory paper with a consultation and submission period early this year. National Retail provided an extensive submission and attended consultation workshops outlining industry's roadmap for single-use plastics and our recommended strategies to develop a truly circular economy...

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NSW Plastics Ban important updates and webinar

Businesses are encouraged to ensure they will be compliant with the NSW Plastics Ban as previous exemptions end soon. The...

Businesses are encouraged to ensure they will be compliant with the NSW Plastics Ban as previous exemptions end soon. The NSW Plastic Ban came into effect in two stages during 2022. The ban included a range of items, such as single-use plastic straws, cutlery, plates, unlidded bowls and lightweight plastic...

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Have your say: Tasmania Plastic Bans

New Tasmanian Plastics Paper open for industry feedback now Consultation closes 1 October 2024 In line with Tasmania's commitment to sustainable...

New Tasmanian Plastics Paper open for industry feedback now Consultation closes 1 October 2024 In line with Tasmania's commitment to sustainable practices, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (DNET) is considering a phase-out of certain single-use plastic items and seeks input from both businesses and the community. Transitioning away from...

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NSW Government – Changes to Anzac Day trading hours

Under the New South Wales Retail Trading Amendment (Anzac Day Trading Hours) Bill 2024,some businesses will be required to remain...

Under the New South Wales Retail Trading Amendment (Anzac Day Trading Hours) Bill 2024,some businesses will be required to remain closed on Anzac Day. The trading hours restriction was announced on July 10, 2024, by the Premier of New South Wales, the Hon Chris Minns MP. Currently, retail traders including fashion...

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Using green claims – with minimal regulatory risk

In response to growing concerns regarding the use by industry of ‘green claims’ and more specifically ‘greenwashing’, the ACCC...

In response to growing concerns regarding the use by industry of ‘green claims’ and more specifically ‘greenwashing’, the ACCC published in December 2023 a guide for business on Making Environmental Claims. The guide is comprehensive (almost 40 pages), and whilst it contains specific advice, it serves as a guide to...

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ACCC introduces two new infant sleep product mandatory standards

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, the Hon. Stephen Jones MP, has made new safety and information...

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, the Hon. Stephen Jones MP, has made new safety and information standards for infant sleep products and inclined non-sleep products. These standards have been introduced to reduce the risk of death and injury to infants. The Consumer Goods (Infant Sleep Products)...

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Uniting Forces: Collective Action against Retail Crime

Retail crime in Australia has escalated from a minor nuisance to a significant threat, impacting businesses, employees, and consumers...

Retail crime in Australia has escalated from a minor nuisance to a significant threat, impacting businesses, employees, and consumers alike. The National Retail Association (NRA) and the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) recently joined forces to hold the Retail Crime Symposium in Melbourne, which brought together government, law enforcement, and...

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Trevor Evans appointed as Special Advisor to National Retail Association

To continue meeting the evolving challenges facing the retail sector, the National Retail Association (NRA) is pleased to announce...

To continue meeting the evolving challenges facing the retail sector, the National Retail Association (NRA) is pleased to announce the appointment of former CEO, Trevor Evans, as a Special Advisor in the NRA’s Policy Division. NRA Interim CEO Lindsay Carroll said that Mr Evans will focus on collaborating with governments...

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