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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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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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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Victorian retail crime crisis – up 20% to highest levels on record

New Victorian crime data confirms retail crime is at crisis levels, with retail stores a top target peak bodies the Australian...

New Victorian crime data confirms retail crime is at crisis levels, with retail stores a top target peak bodies the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said today. The Victoria Government’s Crime Statistics Agency’s (CSA) report for the year ending June 2025 showed recorded retail crime offences in Victoria rose...

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Retailers call for urgent, national response to retail crime

In response to the alarming rise in retail crime across the country, retailers, government, police, unions and crime experts...

In response to the alarming rise in retail crime across the country, retailers, government, police, unions and crime experts are coming together to help improve safety and crime outcomes for retailers, teams and customers. The Shop Distributive Alliance (SDA), Victoria Police, and the Victorian Government, today, join the Australian Retailers...

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SA delays deli bag ban by 2 years

The ban on non-compostable plastic barrier bags for unpackaged wet proteins – dairy products, meat, poultry, fish and seafood...

The ban on non-compostable plastic barrier bags for unpackaged wet proteins – dairy products, meat, poultry, fish and seafood – originally set for 1 September 2025 in South Australia will now commence on 1 September 2027. Since the ban was announced, government consultation has been ongoing with feedback and evidence...

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Permanence of Queensland’s Jack’s Law will help fight scourge of retail crime and violence

The National Retail Association (NRA) and Australian Retailers Association (ARA) commend the Queensland Government for making permanent the pioneering...

The National Retail Association (NRA) and Australian Retailers Association (ARA) commend the Queensland Government for making permanent the pioneering Jack’s Law, saying it will give police immediate powers to proactively target potential violent offenders. ARA CEO Chris Rodwell said the historic legislation introduced to parliament this week is a vital...

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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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