Free resources

The ARA is committed to helping retail businesses grow and prosper. This Free Resources page provides an overview of links and downloads to help keep your retail business competitive and compliant.

Contact us if you require more information or would like to find out more about how the ARA can help you.

National

New Australian Consumer Law

From 1 January 2011, Australian businesses – wherever trading in Australia - will operate under a single, national consumer law: the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

The ACL will replace different national, state and territory laws that set out consumer rights and retailer obligations when selling goods (including refunds, warranties, lay-bys and product safety) with a single, national set of rules. Please note that for goods bought before January 2011 old state laws still apply. Australian Consumer Law business guides

Key Australian Government portal for business information.
Business.gov.au

Business Loan Finder: compare loan options to find the best loan for your business.

Independent contractors: the essential handbook and the Contractor decision tool

Comparison of first aid obligations according to state legislation

Fair Work Australia
New unfair dismissal and collective bargaining rules commenced 1 July 2009 and the balance of the new laws will take effect on 1 January 2010. For more information, see the following websites:

Fair Work Australia
Fair Work Ombudsman
Fair Work Ombudsman National Retail Industry Campaign
Fair Work Online

Fair Work Information Statement - from 1 January 2010, this Fair Work Information Statement is to be provided to all new employees by their employer as soon as possible after the commencement of employment.

Fair Work Information Statement

National Employment Standards

For more information about employment relations and your business visit ARA Employment Relations.

ACCC
Warranty & refund obligations
Warranty & refund signs
Advertising & Selling
Small business
Being smart about your new franchise: checklist before signing a lease agreement

Retail Codes of Practice
Codes of practice can help the retail industry self regulate with guidelines more effective in addressing industry issues than perhaps government regulation could achieve

Biodegradable, degradable and recyclable plastic bags
Biodegradable, degradable and recyclable claims on plastic bags

Australian Tax Office
Free superannuation clearing house for small business through Medicare

Accounting 
Accounting and business planning resources for ARA members

 

ARA Free Resources

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Free business tools

State-specific information

Click on the relevant state for state-specific information about lay-by, refunds, statutory warranties, order forms, advertising requirements or handling complaints.

New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
South Australia
Western Australia
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
Northern Territory

New South Wales
Small business portal
Lay-bys
Refund in-store poster
Refund guidelines for business
Bag Check guidelines
Statutory warranty poster
Retail Display Legislation and Enforcement
Advertising requirements
Handling complaints

Victoria

General business portal
Lay-by policy poster
Lay-bys
Refund policy poster
Handling customer complaints
Retailer tool kit
MyShopRights app
Shopping and trading
Small business

Useful links from Business Victoria

Find an Adviser: a free searchable database of lawyers, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing consultants and business mentors. Users can search by location or areas of expertise and some advisers offer a free 30-minute consultation.

Setting up and running a retail premises fact sheet: an easy to understand guide which includes checklists and contacts.

Retail lease agreement checklist: questions business owners whould ask, and questions they might be asked, before signing a lease.

Leasing a retail premises step-by-step guide: a guide developed for both tenants and landlords to clearly outline the rights and responsibilities on both sides.

Queensland
Lay-bys
Refunds
Advertising requirements
Handling complaints

South Australia
Lay-bys
Refunds
Advertising requirements
Handling complaints

Western Australia
Order form
Lay-by fact sheet
Refund rights and obligations booklet
Refund in-store sign
Handling complaints brochure

Tasmania
Fair trading information brochure
Lay-by fact sheet
Refund fact sheet
Statutory warranty poster
Bag check guidelines
Advertising requirements fact sheet
Labelling requirements

Australian Capital Territory
Lay-by fact sheet
Refund rights and obligations booklet
Bait advertising fact sheet

Northern Territory
Lay-by fact sheet
Refund fact sheet
Bag check guidelines
Misleading and bait advertising fact sheet
Complaints and disputes
Uncollected goods information
Warranties or guarantees – guidelines