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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
Retailers welcome permanent instant asset write-off, call for bold productivity reform in Federal Budget
To support a return to economic growth, ARC said retailers urgently need to see promised structural reform to lift productivity and reduce the burden of red tape and regulatory fragmentation
Flowers top Mother’s Day gifts as Australians favour simple, meaningful celebrations
The latest ARC-Roy Morgan survey shows 39% of Australians planning to purchase flowers, followed by food and alcohol (24%) and experiences such as dining out or trips away (11%) among
South Australia sets the national benchmark in protecting retail workers
ARC said South Australia has now established the gold standard for tackling retail crime, combining Workplace Protection Orders with a dedicated retail crime taskforce, Operation Measure, to directly target repeat
Victoria retail crime Budget falls short on worker protections
The Victorian Budget reflects growing recognition of the state’s retail crime challenge but falls short on immediate worker protections and targeted enforcement, the Australian Retail Council (ARC) said today.
Retail conditions expected to tighten as third consecutive rate rise hits consumers
Australian retailers say trading conditions will become more challenging after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) lifted interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.35 per cent, marking the third
Retail spending lifts March result, masking underlying pressures
Australian household spending on retail increased 5.7 per cent over the year to March, with Australians spending $39.3 billion, up from $37.2 billion in March 2025 as retailers navigate rising
Retailers call for deep regulatory reform and cost relief as supply chain crisis deepens
Australian retailers are urging the Federal Government accelerate regulatory reform and to provide further cost relief and as the supply chain impacts of the Middle East conflict intensify.
Business leaders call for 25% red tape reduction amid rising costs
Nearly 30 groups representing small, medium and large businesses, and universities, that employ millions of Australians, are calling on all governments to cut regulatory costs by 25 per cent to
WA Parliament urged to fast-track retail barring orders
The Australian Retail Council (ARC) is urging the Western Australian Parliament to prioritise and fast-track Retail Barring Orders legislation to the Legislative Council, because retail workers continuing to face abuse
Victoria misses deadline on workplace protection orders as retail crime continues to escalate
ARC CEO Chris Rodwell said the delay comes at a time when retail crime in Victoria continues to worsen, with the latest data showing escalating incidents of theft, abuse and
Retailers welcome ATO relief as fuel and supply pressures hits small business
ARC has welcomed the Federal Treasurer’s announcement that the ATO will provide temporary relief for small businesses impacted by fuel supply disruptions, as retailers face mounting cost pressures.
RBA surcharge ban to hit small retailers
Reserve Bank of Australia decision to ban card surcharges will add to cost pressures across the retail sector, particularly for smaller businesses already operating on tight margins.
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