Sustainability Update – 13 June 2023

The National Retail Association's Policy team actively works across multiple sustainability and environmental regulations impacting retailers and their supply...

The National Retail Association's Policy team actively works across multiple sustainability and environmental regulations impacting retailers and their supply chains.   Plastic bans across AU/NZ Summary table updated: See the latest update to our summary table of all single-use plastic regulations in Australia and New Zealand: https://www.nationalretail.org.au/policy-advocacy/action-on-single-use-plastics/ Need a quick update...

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Managing the spread of illness in the workplace

As winter and the cold and flu season arrive, employers should be aware on how to appropriately manage employee...

As winter and the cold and flu season arrive, employers should be aware on how to appropriately manage employee absences. This article aims to provide practical insights and solutions to common questions, empowering businesses to effectively tackle the complexities of illness management in the workplace. Sending employees home If an employee...

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National Retail Association announces appointment of experienced Membership Manager

We're thrilled to introduce James Mcilveen as our new Membership Manager at the National Retail Association. With over 10...

We're thrilled to introduce James Mcilveen as our new Membership Manager at the National Retail Association. With over 10 years of experience in customer success, James is dedicated to fostering long-lasting relationships and providing exceptional support to our Members. James will work closely with Members to ensure they receive maximum...

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National Retail Association welcomes national packaging announcement

Peak industry body, the National Retail Association has welcomed the announcement that packaging will now be subject to national...

Peak industry body, the National Retail Association has welcomed the announcement that packaging will now be subject to national standards and design rules as part of the agreement struck at the National Meeting of Environment Ministers today. Quote attributed to the National Retail Association’s Director of Policy, David Stout: “Many businesses...

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“Wake up, Phil!” Retailers urge RBA to change direction on interest rates

Retailers have urged the Reserve Bank to wake up and change direction following its decision to increase interest rates...

Retailers have urged the Reserve Bank to wake up and change direction following its decision to increase interest rates by 25 basis points today, lifting the cash rate to 4.1 per cent. Less than a week since the announcement that wages will increase by 5.75% come July, the National Retail...

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Message from our CEO – 6 June 2023

Last Friday, the Fair Work Commission delivered its annual decision on increases to the minimum wage and award minimum...

Last Friday, the Fair Work Commission delivered its annual decision on increases to the minimum wage and award minimum wages. The announcement of a 5.75 percent award wage increase is disappointing, and we know business owners are already facing pressure from higher interest rates, increases in rent and power...

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The mindful shopping movement – what retailers need to know about the rise in ethical consumerism

Article by Salim Biskri, BDO National Leader, Retail Partner, Audit, and Assurance The last quarter of the calendar year is dominated...

Article by Salim Biskri, BDO National Leader, Retail Partner, Audit, and Assurance The last quarter of the calendar year is dominated by a large number of shopping events, mostly taking place online. Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Singles Day, a traditional Chinese holiday that’s now an online shopping bonanza, have always been...

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Time to get your super house in order?

The end of the financial year is a good time to review your finances and plan for the future. The...

The end of the financial year is a good time to review your finances and plan for the future. The most common new year’s resolutions are around fitness, weight loss and diet, all worthy goals to improve our physical wellbeing. Similarly, the end of the financial year can be a good...

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Retailers disappointed by “out-of-touch” wage decision

The National Retail Association has today expressed its disappointment at the 5.75 per cent award wage increase handed down...

The National Retail Association has today expressed its disappointment at the 5.75 per cent award wage increase handed down by the Fair Work Commission, saying it was divorced from the commercial reality for most Australian businesses. NRA Legal Director Lindsay Carroll said the increase would be simply unattainable for most...

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Retail sector crucial to a healthier Australia

The National Retail Association (NRA) has welcomed the announcement from the Federal Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and...

The National Retail Association (NRA) has welcomed the announcement from the Federal Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport to adopt an inquiry into Diabetes in Australia, following a referral from the Minister for Health and Aged, Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP. NRA Health and Nutrition Committee Chair...

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ACT bans more single-use plastics by 1 July

The ACT Government has yesterday announced it is proceeding with a ban on more single-use plastic items by the...

The ACT Government has yesterday announced it is proceeding with a ban on more single-use plastic items by the end of the month. From 1 July this year, the following items will be banned in the ACT: plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care, cosmetic and cleaning products, loose fill packaging...

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Message from our CEO – 31 May 2023

In one of the most impactful moves in our economy this year, the Fair Work Commission will deliver its...

In one of the most impactful moves in our economy this year, the Fair Work Commission will deliver its annual decision on increases to the minimum wage and award minimum wages this Friday, 2 June at 10am. Our Workplace Relations team are closely monitoring this announcement and following the decision,...

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Message from our CEO – 24 May 2023

Last week, the National Retail Association released our Quarterly Economic Outlook Report. This report was developed by the National...

Last week, the National Retail Association released our Quarterly Economic Outlook Report. This report was developed by the National Retail Association and exclusively for our members, providing key insights into the economic and industry trends over the last quarter. To access the report, click here. Recently, we held a HR...

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Top Tips For Effective Workplace Investigations

Workplace investigations can be timely and complex. From undertaking initial enquiries to undertaking witness interviews, it is important to...

Workplace investigations can be timely and complex. From undertaking initial enquiries to undertaking witness interviews, it is important to ensure that a procedurally fair process is undertaken to maintain the integrity of the investigation and to be able to confidently rely upon its outcomes in taking disciplinary action. To...

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Drastic fall in spending on luxuries as Aussie households battle inflation

Australian households have drastically slashed their spending on luxury goods as they grapple with the twin impacts of high...

Australian households have drastically slashed their spending on luxury goods as they grapple with the twin impacts of high inflation and spiralling interest rates, new data from the National Retail Association has revealed. The NRA’s quarterly economic outlook report revealed growth in discretionary spending was close to zero in NSW,...

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Message from our CEO – 17 May 2023

The 2023-24 Federal Budget has been delivered, and today it was announced that consumer confidence has fallen 1.8 points,...

The 2023-24 Federal Budget has been delivered, and today it was announced that consumer confidence has fallen 1.8 points, its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. New data from the National Retail Association reveals Australian households have drastically slashed their spending on luxury goods as they grapple with high inflation...

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