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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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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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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,...

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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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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...

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