The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party on their return to government and stand ready to work together to improve conditions to allow Australia’s vital $430 billion retail sector to invest, grow and create jobs.
ARA CEO and CEO Designate of the Australian Retail Council (ARC) Chris Rodwell says Australia’s retail sector contributes almost one fifth of our Gross Domestic Product – and employs one in 10 workers, making it the largest private sector employer.
“Retail performance impacts every Australian and it’s clear that we need strong economic leadership to support the sector through a challenging climate. Alongside the cost-of-living crisis, retailers have battled through years of rising costs – from rent and wages, to energy, insurance, transportation and all kinds of supply chain impacts.
“Retailers are particularly keen for the government to take measures to lift flagging productivity and to see the cost-of-living relief measures flow through to the checkout.
“In recent months retailers have also had to come to grips with the impact of the US tariffs,” says Mr Rodwell. “This is a huge shock for retailers, exacerbating supply chain and cost pressures. For many, especially smaller retailers there is limited capacity to absorb these costs. It will be tough for them to stare down the pressure to raise prices in the coming months. While we recognise the government has limited options to deal with this volatility in its negotiations with the United States, it does have the capacity to offset impacts by redoubling efforts to reduce the red tape and cost burden of Australian businesses.
“The ARA and NRA stand ready to support a co-ordinated national effort to promote higher productivity because it is the foundation stone for a strong economy and improved living standards. It is critical we seize the moment in this term of government as our nation can’t afford for the agenda to slip into the 2030s. The state of our economy and national finances reflect it is already overdue.
“Another area where we need a nationally co-ordinated effort is to deal with the scourge of retail crime. Retailers and the workers across the sector deserve greater security than they currently experience. The human and economic cost of this crime is unacceptable. We need a dedicated national retail crime strategy and consistent, specific protections for retail workers.
The ARA and NRA is also keen to help Labor accelerate its election commitments to small business support, workforce development, energy affordability, digital transformation, cybersecurity and innovation.
Mr Rodwell also said important gaps remain unaddressed around industrial relations reform and workplace protections.
“While there is much we can co-operate on, we remain concerned about potential government intervention in setting penalty rates as it risks undermining the role of expert decision-making bodies in delivering a fair, flexible and productive industrial framework,” he said.
“The ARA and NRA extend their appreciation to the outgoing Leader of the Opposition and former Member for Dickson, Peter Dutton. He has an extraordinary record of public service to our nation, across so many areas. His warmth and determination have been enduring across this span of service. We wish Mr Dutton and his family well in their next chapter,” said Mr Rodwell.
(ENDS)
ARA Media Enquiries:
M 0434 381 670
E media@retail.org.au
