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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Victoria lockdown means help still needed for struggling retailers

Victoria being plunged into another 7-day lockdown highlights that the state’s retail businesses continue to endure a period of...

Victoria being plunged into another 7-day lockdown highlights that the state’s retail businesses continue to endure a period of immense challenge, according to the National Retail Association. Earlier this morning the Victorian Government confirmed that the state would again go into full lockdown, but with essential businesses such as supermarkets...

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Greater Melbourne implements new restrictions due to community transmission

From 6pm tonight, the following rules with apply across metropolitan Melbourne and will be in place until at least...

From 6pm tonight, the following rules with apply across metropolitan Melbourne and will be in place until at least Friday, 4 June. Masks must be worn indoors unless there is an exemption. This applies to everyone 12 years and older and includes workplaces Private gatherings in the home are limited...

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Message from the CEO | 25 May 2021

At the NRA we pride ourselves on being the voice of modern retail. This is reflected not only in...

At the NRA we pride ourselves on being the voice of modern retail. This is reflected not only in our diverse membership that consists of businesses of all shapes and sizes, but also in our personnel. Last week we added to our already strong leadership team by appointing three esteemed...

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New insights reveal Aussies prefer shopping locally

More than 50 per cent of Australian shoppers want to buy locally sourced and produced products, according to new...

More than 50 per cent of Australian shoppers want to buy locally sourced and produced products, according to new research by our finance and banking partners, Commonwealth Bank. The inaugural CommBank Consumer Insights Report offers an analysis of the Australian consumer, with the first edition focused on evaluating the impact of...

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Retail Rescue: How Business Insurance Can Help Get You Back to Work

There are many risks when running a retail business. Accidents happen, and even careful planning can be undermined by...

There are many risks when running a retail business. Accidents happen, and even careful planning can be undermined by unforeseen events. That’s where business insurance can help—providing peace of mind and protection to retailers when they need it the most. Here are three real-life claim scenarios from retailers and how...

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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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Appointments boost modern retail representation on peak industry Board

The National Retail Association has today announced the appointment of three new Directors to its Board, adding to the...

The National Retail Association has today announced the appointment of three new Directors to its Board, adding to the depth of industry representation in Australia’s peak retail organisation. NRA Chair Mark Brodie said Alice Barbery, Julie Mathers and Antony Moore had been appointed outside the Board election cycle to fill...

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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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South Australia COVID SAfe Check-In

Last week, we noticed an increase in enquiries surrounding the South Australian COVID SAfe Check In after a blitz...

Last week, we noticed an increase in enquiries surrounding the South Australian COVID SAfe Check In after a blitz by police on non-compliant businesses. Here are all the frequently asked questions by business owners about the South Australia QR code system on how to stay compliant and avoid a hefty...

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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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Employment Plus strengthens Australia’s workforce through training and upskilling

The National Retail Association (NRA) has been delivering ‘SIR30216 Certificate III in Retail’ programs for a diverse group of...

The National Retail Association (NRA) has been delivering ‘SIR30216 Certificate III in Retail’ programs for a diverse group of Employment Plus clients for the past 4 years - many of whom were long term unemployed and disengaged with training and employment. Employment Plus are an organisation focused on connecting...

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Support your employees with free training through Foundation Skills

In an exceedingly social and data-driven world, language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy (LLND) skills are imperative to individuals...

In an exceedingly social and data-driven world, language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy (LLND) skills are imperative to individuals entering and furthering themselves in the workforce. These skills set the basic foundation to maximise effectiveness of additional training, and upskilling is a significant factor in 'hireability'. An absence of,...

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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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Message from the CEO | 18 May 2021

Big spending commitments, a focus on jobs, and an eye on a possible early election is how the 2021...

Big spending commitments, a focus on jobs, and an eye on a possible early election is how the 2021 Budget could be summed up. Overall, we think measures announced by the Treasurer last week will be beneficial to retailers. The COVID-recession was unique in the sense that late last year discretionary...

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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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