Executive Director's Diary - 28 Nov 08

National Small Business Forum

On behalf of the ARA Richard Evans was invited to attend Minister Craig Emerson's Small Business Forum with Australia's key small business leaders. Issues raised with Minister Emerson included the Franchise Inquiry, retail leasing, the proposed emissions trading scheme (ETS) and the current economic climate.

ACCC Small Business Advisory Group (SBAG)

As a member of the ACCC Small Business Advisory Group, ARA was involved with the teleconference on 14 November to offer a retail perspective on issues affecting small business.

Shopping Centre Council

Earlier this month, Richard Evans held a meeting with the Shopping Centre Council of Australia to discuss various issues affecting the sector including the Federal Government's long-awaited implementation of its response to the Retail Leasing Inquiry and escalating tenancy costs for retailers.

Transport Infrastructure Summit

At the Transport Infrastructure Summit (Victoria) on 13 November Richard Evans joined the Congestion Busters panel to discuss ways to improve the transport networks critical to the business success of Victorian retailers. With the needs of both Melbourne shoppers, retailers and retail delivery services in mind, the panel debated night versus day time operations, toll roads and the clearways extensions in the Victorian Government's Keeping Melbourne Moving strategy.

ARA highly commended in NSW WorkCover Safe Work Awards

The ARA and its partner, Youthsafe, were recently recognised at NSW WorkCover's Safe Work Awards. Employment Relations Director Phil Barresi travelled to Sydney to accept the highly commended accolade in Leadership Safety for the In Working Order project.

Master Builders' President's Dinner

On 25 November, Richard Evans took advantage of a networking opportunity bringing together business leaders associated with the building and construction industry at the Master Builders' Association President's Dinner.