International merger of ‘cruelty-free’ programs drives retailer and consumer understanding

The National Retail Association (NRA) has applauded the announcement that the two most reputable cruelty-free certification programs, Cruelty Free...

The National Retail Association (NRA) has applauded the announcement that the two most reputable cruelty-free certification programs, Cruelty Free International (CFI) and Choose Cruelty Free Australia (CCF) have merged. David Stout, Director of Policy for the NRA, said that the merger was a positive step towards helping Australian businesses gain...

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Have your say on the Tasmanian Container Refund Scheme

The Tasmanian Government is currently seeking feedback on the draft Container Refund Scheme Bill 2021. The Container Refund Scheme (CRS)...

The Tasmanian Government is currently seeking feedback on the draft Container Refund Scheme Bill 2021. The Container Refund Scheme (CRS) will contribute to Tasmania's circular economy by reducing litter and increasing resource recovery and recycling of beverage containers. Tasmania is joining every Australian state and territory that has or plans...

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4 extra trading hours for WA retailers on Western Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday

The WA Government has approved four additional hours of trading for general retail shops in metropolitan Perth on Monday...

The WA Government has approved four additional hours of trading for general retail shops in metropolitan Perth on Monday 7 June for Western Australia Day and Monday 27 September for the Queen's Birthday. Previously, general retail shops were permitted to trade 11am to 5pm on these public holidays. The extension means...

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Grants for businesses affected by Victoria’s Circuit Breaker lockdown available soon

The Victorian Government is supporting businesses most affected by the seven-day circuit breaker action, including operators in the hospitality,...

The Victorian Government is supporting businesses most affected by the seven-day circuit breaker action, including operators in the hospitality, retail, events and creative industries with further targeted support. The Victorian Government announced a $250 million Circuit Breaker Business Support Package to help up to 90,000 Victorian businesses that were unable...

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AMA wins inaugural “Dirty Mirror Award” for protecting vaping monopoly

Australia’s peak retail industry body has today announced the Australian Medical Association as the inaugural recipient of its “Dirty...

Australia’s peak retail industry body has today announced the Australian Medical Association as the inaugural recipient of its “Dirty Mirror Award”, for breathtaking hypocrisy in public affairs. National Retail Association CEO Dominique Lamb bestowed the award on the AMA today, for its efforts to protect the monopoly over nicotine vaping...

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World-first Australian cosmetics industry code for animal testing claims

The Australian Government introduced laws to ban the use of data or information from animal tests conducted from 1...

The Australian Government introduced laws to ban the use of data or information from animal tests conducted from 1 July 2020 for cosmetics. Accord Australasia has today launched a Voluntary Industry Code of Practice to Support the Australian Ban on Testing Cosmetics on Animals aims to provide consistency and clarity...

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Perth, Rottnest and Peel small business lockdown grants now open

Perth, Rottnest and Peel small businesses impacted by the ANZAC Day long weekend lockdown, and incurred direct costs as...

Perth, Rottnest and Peel small businesses impacted by the ANZAC Day long weekend lockdown, and incurred direct costs as a result of the restrictions, can now apply for $2,000 grants. Applications are now open on the Small Business Development Corporation's website, with the first payments expected next month. About 15,000 businesses...

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Expanded polystyrene phased out nationally

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) - in multiple applications such as foodware, loose fill and moulded packaging - will be phased...

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) - in multiple applications such as foodware, loose fill and moulded packaging - will be phased out over the next few years across Australia. This landmark sustainability initiative was recently announced in the National Plastics Plan released by the Australian Government. The Department of Agriculture, Water and...

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Business Basics Grants Program opening soon for small businesses

*Please note this grant was closed on 31 May upon reaching the maximum number of applications.   Original article as below:  The...

*Please note this grant was closed on 31 May upon reaching the maximum number of applications.   Original article as below:  The Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training have announced some new one-off grants for small businesses.  The Business Basics Grant will offer grant funding of up to $5,000 each to...

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Extra hours for suburban Adelaide shops this Queen’s Birthday public holiday

The Hon Rob Lucas MLC, Treasurer, has declared an exemption for the Queen's Birthday Public Holiday on Monday 14...

The Hon Rob Lucas MLC, Treasurer, has declared an exemption for the Queen's Birthday Public Holiday on Monday 14 June 2021. The exemption will enable non-exempt shops in the Metropolitan Shopping District and Glenelg Tourist Precinct (the Adelaide suburban area) to trade between the hours of 11.00 am and 5.00 pm on that day. This...

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Customer abuse remains a disturbing reality for retail workers

In recent news, a Wagga retailer worker, Suzy Fortington, 41, has spoken out against the abuse, threats and physical...

In recent news, a Wagga retailer worker, Suzy Fortington, 41, has spoken out against the abuse, threats and physical violence that she has experienced at the hands of customers.  Having worked at various other retail stores around Wagga since she was 16 years old, she recalls the abuse steadily escalating...

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New fine for businesses flouting Victorian QR code requirements

Victorian businesses found intentionally flouting the Chief Health Officer’s rules – such as the requirement to use QR Code...

Victorian businesses found intentionally flouting the Chief Health Officer’s rules – such as the requirement to use QR Code systems – will be slapped with a new $1,652 on-the-spot fine. Venues and facilities are required to maintain an electronic record-keeping system for all visitors – which is critical for ensuring...

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Shopping centres and retailers unite to welcome South Australia’s referendum on shop trading hours

The National Retail Association (NRA) and Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) welcomed the announcement of a historic referendum...

The National Retail Association (NRA) and Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) welcomed the announcement of a historic referendum that could pave the way for long awaited retail trading hours reform in South Australia. The reform package to be introduced by the South Australian State Government ultimately seeks to give...

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Tackling textile waste important priority for retailers

Tackling textile waste is an important priority for retailers with efforts now further supported by the Federal Government's $20...

Tackling textile waste is an important priority for retailers with efforts now further supported by the Federal Government's $20 million National Product Stewardship Investment Fund. Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management Trevor Evans is championing the stewardship program enabling industry to take up the challenge and drive solutions,...

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Why workplaces should put more emphasis on domestic violence prevention

The statistics around the prevalence of domestic and family violence (DFV) in Australia are alarming and continue to be...

The statistics around the prevalence of domestic and family violence (DFV) in Australia are alarming and continue to be a cause for concern not only for households and the community, but also workplaces. The National Retail Association has created the Domestic Violence Retailer Support Hub to provide guidance for...

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Have your say on how the NSW government can support small businesses

Business owners and industry groups are encouraged to have their say on how the NSW Government can support small...

Business owners and industry groups are encouraged to have their say on how the NSW Government can support small businesses and provide feedback on the Government’s Business Connect advisory program. Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the consultation would help the NSW Government design future support programs...

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