Advocacy, Policy & Research

Membership with Benefits - ARA advice, service and assistance

The ARA's new policy and research unit keeps members abreast of current issues and future trends affecting the retail sector. As a strong advocate the ARA represents a vast number of retail businesses making the ARA the first port of call for government, media, regulators and other industry participants. By maintaining strong links with government the ARA is able to influence and direct policy that may affect the retail industry at both state and national levels. Being a member of the ARA allows you to become part of this process and contribute to the development of retail policy.

The ARA provides a voice to all types of Australian retailers emphasising a unified front and concentrating on common issues confronting the industry. The ARA has a mandate to ensure important issues are heard clearly above the clatter of voices in the market to forge a strong presence within the Australian economy.

Policy and Advocacy

The ARA has a retail policy development team keeping abreast of issues that affect retailers.

The ARA co-ordinates member feedback to develop government submissions regarding relevant retail and small business issues, providing a strong voice for the sector to promote legislation and policy favourable to a strong and prosperous retail sector.

Members save time, energy and money making representations to government by channeling their feedback through the ARA.

This benefit is important for a strong voice before Government, ACCC and other small business forums allowing members to have their voice heard.

The ARA undertakes public relations activities to continually reiterate the positive aspects of retailing, and to create a public image of retailing conducive to its continued growth in Australia.

Only ARA members are provided with media coverage (where appropriate) in ARA publicity campaigns.

Research

The ARA is working closely with Sensis to produce ARA Australian Retailer's Index, providing a quarterly snap shot of the retail sector in the following categories: Retailer confidence; retailer concerns; sales, profitability and employment; capital expenditure; wages and prices and assessment of Federal Government policies.

The ARA Policy Centre is updated regularly with position statements, policy papers, government submissions and the ARA Australian Retailers Index research.

How to Join the ARA

The ARA Membership Team can assist you in a range of areas including quotes on membership and advice on which membership structure will best suit your business and how to get the most out of it. To find out more about becoming a member of the ARA call 1300 368 041 and speak to our membership team or email membership@retail.org.au