Dear Members,
There’s no getting around it. Yesterday’s interest rate rise is another blow for retailers and households at a critical moment in the retail calendar.
For many retailers, peak season defines the year. There’s no question higher rates make that job harder.
While the instinct is to find a short-term fix, the real solution must be structural. Governments can’t take growth, jobs or economic contribution for granted. Driving business investment and living standards starts with cutting compliance and cost for business.
Inaction doesn’t just cost businesses, it costs households. The fragmentation that occurs across State regulations in retail alone will come with $9.6 billion price tag for households over the next decade. That’s the extra bill Australians pay because our system saddles businesses with higher costs for no other reason than they are operating in a different state.
Victoria’s election at the end of this month is an important platform to get this message across. Retailers have told us clearly what needs to change. Safer stores, lower business costs, less red tape, better freight and planning settings, and a Victoria where retailers have the confidence to invest and create jobs. We’ll be taking that message to the media, and all sides of politics.
Today also marks the official launch of Be Kind in Retail campaign and ARC is a key supporter again this year. As peak season ramps up, millions of retail workers are preparing for their busiest weeks of the year. This busy Christmas period, we want Australians to back the retailers that back Australia — and be kind to the people who serve them. A little patience, respect and a simple thank you can make a real difference. Look out for the campaign advertising in shopping centres all around the country.
Let’s talk shop,
