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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

Webinar: Australians want soft plastic recycling

Australians overwhelmingly want soft plastics recycling to return - and stay. New consumer research from Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia (SPSA)...

Australians overwhelmingly want soft plastics recycling to return - and stay. New consumer research from Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia (SPSA) reveals how households engage with soft plastic recycling once it’s available, and what makes participation easiest. Webinar: Insights into Soft Plastic Collection Pilots and Community Feedback In this third session of The Global Stewardship Playbook,...

Read More

Free resources to help retailers promote safe battery disposal

Keep batteries and battery-powered products out of household bins! From musical greeting cards to flashing toys, battery-powered gifts can pose...

Keep batteries and battery-powered products out of household bins! From musical greeting cards to flashing toys, battery-powered gifts can pose safety risks if thrown in household bins. The National Retail Association is offering free resources to help retailers answer the growing customer questions and guide safe battery disposal this festive season. National Retail Business...

Read More

Filled-onsite plastic ‘cans’ banned (WA)

Western Australia’s Plan for Plastics began in 2021 and has banned more than 20 single-use plastic items. This includes the...

Western Australia’s Plan for Plastics began in 2021 and has banned more than 20 single-use plastic items. This includes the sale or supply of single‑use plastic cups of any shape, and their lids, including those made from plastic-lined paper or bioplastic. This ban came into effect from 1 October 2022. Penalties apply for...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

Additional time & support for WA plastic bags

In 2025 the Western Australian Government have been progressing policy towards and expansion of the ban on non-compostable barrier...

In 2025 the Western Australian Government have been progressing policy towards and expansion of the ban on non-compostable barrier bags, and introduction of a compostable bag design standard. The Compostable Barrier Bag Design Standard came into effect in WA on 1 October 2025 for plastic bags used for loose fruit, vegetables,...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

Attached plastic straws and other items banned (QLD, VIC)

Most states and territories have banned single-use plastic straws, utensils, plates and unlidded bowls over the past few years. Some...

Most states and territories have banned single-use plastic straws, utensils, plates and unlidded bowls over the past few years. Some states allowed additional time for attached or integrated items in shelf-ready or pre-packaged products, such as plastic straws attached to juice boxes and plastic spoons enclosed in yoghurt containers. Most businesses...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More

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...

Read More