The 2023-24 Federal Budget has been handed down.

With inflation and consecutive interest rate rises putting households under enormous stress, this year was undoubtedly the “cost-of-living” budget for both everyday Australians and retailers.

We welcome the government’s commitment to taking pressure off the household budget and supporting Australia’s most vulnerable including many small businesses.

We would like to have seen more support for small business but welcome the commitments to help reduce costs, including extension of the instant asset write-off and incentives to invest in energy efficiency. The previously announced modernisation of Australia’s migration system will help to address skills and labour shortages for our sector.

I spoke about our concerns about small business on Sunrise this morning which you can watch here. And you can read more about the ARA’s position on the Federal Budget here.

With Reconciliation Week fast approaching and continuing debate about the upcoming referendum, this is your last week to secure tickets to hear one of the most important conversations this year – at our annual CEO Lunch on 18 May at the MCA, Sydney. You will hear from some of the best experts in the business discussing First Nations interests in the workplace. We are almost sold out. Don’t miss this important conversation – to help set your organisation up for being on the right side of history.

The ARA last week officially celebrated its 120th birthday – a huge milestone for our organisation and for our sector. We thank you all for your ongoing support. Here’s to 120 more!