The National Retail Association has welcomed new sector-specific climate plans announced by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen yesterday but urged the Albanese Government to consult across the industry.

The Minister announced the development of plans specific to electricity and energy, industry, the built environment, agriculture and land, transport, and resources.
National Retail Association CEO Greg Griffith urged government to consider the input costs these targets would add to retailers and would like to see an industry and small business plan added as part of the ongoing consultation process.

“Industry plays a critical role in achieving climate targets and sustainability. It’s important to set realistic and achievable plans for small and medium businesses and we encourage the Federal Government to consult more with our sector to achieve a common goal,” Mr Griffith said.

“Retail should be one of the sectors considered for net-zero consultation given it would be most impacted by climate plans announced for any of these sectors.
“Inviting retailers to the roundtable on climate action would be a step in the right policy direction because it would give government an insight into how the sector is managing regulatory changes related to climate change,” he said.

The Australian retail sector has been proactive across several environmental initiatives including the phase-out of single-use plastics and recycling initiatives.
“Reaching net-zero targets has been an industry coordinated effort and we urge the Government to cast a wider net and consult the retail sector when approaching future net-zero discussions,” Mr Griffith said.

“While retailers have always been in front of government regulation in its effort to dial back plastic waste, the shifting policies have been quite expensive to businesses, especially small to medium enterprises.

“Industry input would support the Government to better manage the cost impacts on businesses through support packages and investment that would help struggling SMEs reach their targets.

“Net-zero is a nationwide effort, and we need all hands on deck,’’ he said.

The National Retail Association represents more than 60,000 stores across Australia. It has been serving businesses in the retail and fast-food sectors for close to 100 years.

For more information, please phone the National Retail Association media unit at marketing@nationalretail.org.au or 0467 792 013.