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Media releases
For media enquiries and interview opportunities, contact the ARC media team on media@retail.org.au or 0434 381 670
All ARC media releases
Super push for under-18s risks making first jobs harder to find
The Greens’ push to remove the superannuation exemption for under-18 workers who work fewer than 30 hours a week risks making it harder for young Australians to get their first
Save Our City Shops Alliance calls on the NSW Government to intervene and stop the City of Sydney from demolishing Sydney Town Hall shops
A coalition of union, business, retail, worker and community representatives has called on the NSW State Government to intervene and stop City of Sydney from demolishing Sydney Town Hall shops.
Retail spending remains resilient despite subdued consumer confidence
Australian retail spending remained resilient in May, with new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showing consumers continued to spend despite subdued confidence and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
WA trial strengthens case for responsible suspect matching technology to protect retail workers
The Australian Retail Council (ARC) says Western Australia’s operational trial of live facial recognition technology is an encouraging step towards the responsible use of suspect matching technology, with the potential…
Threats against Victorian retail workers continue to rise as retailers wait for promised protections
New Crime Statistics Agency figures show threats, harassment and intimidation directed at Victorian retail workers continue to rise, reinforcing the urgent need for the introduction of Workplace Protection Orders promised
EOFY sales spending growth stalls as households tighten budgets
End of Financial Year sales remain one of Australia’s most significant retail events, but new research suggests households remain cautious despite widespread discounting, with EOFY spending forecast to grow by
Retailers welcome Tasmania’s major step forward on worker safety
The Australian Retail Council (ARC) has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to introduce Workplace Protection Orders, describing the reform as a critical step forward in protecting workers, customers and businesses
Retailers warn wage decision will intensify business cost pressures
The Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase minimum and award wages by 4.75% per cent will significantly increase labour costs for retailers already navigating weak consumer demand, rising operating expenses
Retail spending resilient in April
Australian household spending on retail rose 5.1 per cent year-on-year in April 2026, with Australians spending $39.07 billion across the retail sector, up from $37.18 billion at the same time
ABS confirms rising pressure on retailers as ARC calls for practical relief
The latest ABS Business Conditions and Sentiments survey, conducted from 4 to 15 May, found 74 per cent of retail businesses were negatively affected by fuel prices or availability, 58
ARC 2026 Retail Awards Finalists Revealed
Australia’s leading retailers, teams and industry leaders have been named finalists in the 2026 ARC Retail Awards, marking the return of the industry’s premier awards program for the first time
Retailers welcome Coalition’s stronger instant asset write-off and red tape reform signals
The Coalition’s proposed permanent $50,000 instant asset write-off would provide a meaningful boost for small retailers looking to invest, while commitments to simplify regulation and reduce compliance burden are encouraging
ARC submissions
Given the important role that the retail sector plays in driving economic growth, we seek government policies that:
- Support the economic impact generated by the retail sector;
- Restore business confidence, particularly for small and medium businesses;
- Increase consumer confidence and disposable income;
- Apply downward pressure on business costs; and
- Reduce complexity by driving national alignment on state matters