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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
Aussies keep the Halloween spirit alive
Australians are tipped to spend $510 million on costumes, decorations and treats this Halloween, but fewer people will embrace the spooky spirit as household budgets remain under pressure, according to
WA delivers critical new protections for retail workers
ARC has welcomed the passage of Western Australia’s Retail Barring Orders legislation, describing it as a major step forward in protecting retail workers from violent and repeat offenders.
Retail spending shows a two-speed retail economy emerging
Annual retail spending continues to outperform market expectations, but a two-speed retail economy is emerging, with some sectors going backwards after accounting for inflation.
Rate hike hits retailers at worst possible time
ARC warned another interest rate rise will further squeeze household budgets and compound the rising freight and supply-chain costs already confronting retailers as higher fuel prices flow through the economy
Retail theft reaches record high as Victorian stores face 263 offences a day
Victoria’s retail crime crisis remains at near-record levels, with 263 offences recorded at retail locations every day and retail theft reaching a new record high.
Product safety reform must help level the playing field
ARC has welcomed the Federal Government’s consultation on strengthening Australia’s product safety framework, saying reforms must level the playing field between Australian retailers and offshore businesses selling into the country.
Retail theft surges as other NSW crime remains stable
The latest NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) figures show ‘steal from retail store’ increased 10.4% over the two years to June 2026, while the other 12 major
Six months on, retailers urge WA to pass barring orders
ARC is urging the Western Australian Parliament not to let another sitting week pass without progressing laws to protect retail workers from repeat offenders.
Victorian work from home bill will take Victoria’s economy backwards
Business groups are united in calling on the Victorian Government to withdraw the flawed work from home legislation, following confirmation the Premier plans to press ahead this week.
More shoppers, smaller splurges as Aussies prepare for Father’s Day
Australians are expected to spend around $730 million on Father’s Day gifts this year, up $10 million, or 1.4%, from 2025.
Major step forward in NSW retail worker safety
The Australian Retail Council (ARC) has strongly welcomed the Minns Government’s move to legislate workplace protection orders, describing it as a significant step forward for the safety of frontline retail
Government’s plans on WFH legislation show there’s been no reset in relationship
Premier Ben Carroll offered a range of amendments to the work from home legislation before Parliament during a meeting today with leading Victorian and national employer groups.
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