Government introduces Fair Work Amendment ‘Closing Loopholes’ Bill

Yesterday afternoon, the Albanese Labor Government introduced the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 (the Bill) to...

Yesterday afternoon, the Albanese Labor Government introduced the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 (the Bill) to Parliament which will significantly amend the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). The National Retail Association is committed to assisting and supporting our valued members and will be reviewing the Bill and...

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SCCA Research: Retail Trade estimate increased by 0.0 percent in July 2023 and by 1.9 per cent year-on-year

The latest release (July 2023) of the monthly ABS Retail Trade data indicates that the overall month-on-month (m-o-m) trend estimate...

The latest release (July 2023) of the monthly ABS Retail Trade data indicates that the overall month-on-month (m-o-m) trend estimate increased by 0.0 percent, down from an increase of 0.2 percent in June 2023. In trend terms, Retail Turnover increased by 1.9 percent year-on-year (y-o-y). STATE OF PLAY The following table summarises...

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Another $2.5 million in grants give Queensland small businesses a helping hand

Business Boost grants of up to $20,000 to help Queensland businesses are up for grabs. $2.5 million will...

Business Boost grants of up to $20,000 to help Queensland businesses are up for grabs. $2.5 million will be available in this round. Business Boost grants have already helped 379 businesses which have shared in more than $4.7 million. The Business Boost grants program provides support to businesses to...

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NABERS Energy update – 4 September

NABERS is a national government program that rates the operational performance of buildings on a 6-star rating scale. It provides...

NABERS is a national government program that rates the operational performance of buildings on a 6-star rating scale. It provides a simple, reliable, and comparable sustainability measurement. Over the last 10 years, NABERS customers have saved an average of 30-40% on their energy. To support Australia’s transition to a net-zero built...

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Retail sector increases accessibility of ‘pop up’ retailing code

The retail industry’s Casual Mall Licensing Code of Practice has become a whole lot more accessible, with the Code’s...

The retail industry’s Casual Mall Licensing Code of Practice has become a whole lot more accessible, with the Code’s governance group today releasing Fact Sheets translated into Arabic, Hindi, Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese. The Code sets the rules and expectations for ‘pop-up’ shops in shopping centres, ensuring that the interests...

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New single-use plastic bans introduced September 1 in QLD, SA, and WA

Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia have implemented their latest rounds of plastic bans on September 1. Queensland, South Australia,...

Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia have implemented their latest rounds of plastic bans on September 1. Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia will implement their latest rounds of plastic bans today, and the National Retail Association is encouraging retailers and their suppliers to check that they understand the new...

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Message from our CEO – 29 August 2023

I would first like to emphasise the commendable efforts of small and medium businesses throughout Australia as they strive...

I would first like to emphasise the commendable efforts of small and medium businesses throughout Australia as they strive to sustain our local economies. These enterprises play a vital role in the Australian economy, constituting over half of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). By fuelling local economies, businesses...

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Harsher penalties against worker abuse, retailers urge

The National Retail Association is calling for harsher penalties after it was announced today that a security guard was...

The National Retail Association is calling for harsher penalties after it was announced today that a security guard was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious condition after being attacked with a meat cleaver in a Gold Coast Shopping Centre. Chief Executive Officer, Greg Griffith, is concerned for...

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SCCA Research: Retail Trade Analysis – July 2023 (First Release)

Retail Trade estimate increased by 0.0 percent in July 2023 and by 1.9 per cent year-on-year The latest release (July...

Retail Trade estimate increased by 0.0 percent in July 2023 and by 1.9 per cent year-on-year The latest release (July 2023) of the monthly ABS Retail Trade data indicates that the overall month-on-month (m-o-m) trend estimate increased by 0.0 percent, down from an increase of 0.2 percent in June 2023. In...

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Choosing local: Celebrating Father’s day with a touch of community spirit

Father's Day is approaching with only less than 1 week to go and the mission to find the perfect...

Father's Day is approaching with only less than 1 week to go and the mission to find the perfect gift for Dad is underway. However, this year, let's shift our shopping routine by embracing the spirit of community and supporting local businesses. In an encouraging collaboration, Greg Griffith, CEO of...

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“Think Small” to celebrate Father’s Day, gift shoppers urged

Gift buyers have been urged to “Think Small” this Father’s Day, and take the opportunity to support local and...

Gift buyers have been urged to “Think Small” this Father’s Day, and take the opportunity to support local and family-owned businesses. With just over a week to go until we celebrate Dads everywhere, the National Retail Association is reminding Australians that the overwhelming majority of jobs are created and sustained...

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The Scope of ESG

Most of us appreciate that ESG (Environmental Social Governance) covers a wide range of issues, but we’d be hard-pressed...

Most of us appreciate that ESG (Environmental Social Governance) covers a wide range of issues, but we’d be hard-pressed to provide details of how it all comes together, particularly in the context of formal government policy and regulatory interventions. Whilst Australia doesn’t have an agreed ESG framework there are...

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Director personally liable for wage underpayments

In a timely reminder about wage compliance, the Fair Work Ombudsman has recently persuaded a court to hold a...

In a timely reminder about wage compliance, the Fair Work Ombudsman has recently persuaded a court to hold a director personally liable for underpayments made to staff. This case serves as a reminder that those who make executive decisions that result in contraventions of minimum conditions, may be held...

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Message from our CEO – 15 August 2023

We're amid a bustling period within the world of retail, gearing up for two of the most exciting occasions...

We're amid a bustling period within the world of retail, gearing up for two of the most exciting occasions in the industry’s calendar - Father's Day and Black Friday. In the weeks ahead, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on some fantastic local businesses, and we're on the hunt...

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Official Container Deposit Scheme Regulations | Stage 2

The first CDS Amendment Regulations were made law by Governor-In-Council on 8 August 2023, and they have now been...

The first CDS Amendment Regulations were made law by Governor-In-Council on 8 August 2023, and they have now been published on the Legislation Vic Website found here. Here is a brief summary of the changes: Regulation 4 amends definitions: in the definition of "donation partner" wording has changed to better...

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National Packaging Targets with APCO

The 2025 National Packaging Targets apply to all packaging that is made, used, and sold in Australia and the...

The 2025 National Packaging Targets apply to all packaging that is made, used, and sold in Australia and the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is charged by the Australian government to facilitate the delivery of the 2025 targets. Recently, APCO CEO, Chris Foley, and Packaging Technologist, Ian Hayes, joined our...

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