It’s been a big week for retailers preparing for End of Financial Year (EOFY) and assessing their business needs for the year ahead. Thank you to everyone who has completed our member pulse survey, your feedback, and insights have been invaluable, and we will soon provide an overview of the biggest issues currently facing the retail sector.
Last week, the National Retail Association’s ESG consultant, Dr Geoffrey Annison participated in the National Modern Slavery Conference hosted by the Attorney General’s Department. Last year, Australia’s Modern Slavery Act was reviewed, and it is likely that a strengthening of the Act is on the cards. To learn more about ESG compliance or to join the National Retail Association ESG Committee, please contact Dr .Annison here.
Our Workplace Relations team have done an outstanding job in providing advice and support to members as important changes to workplace laws begin to roll out from July 1, 2023. These changes encompass various aspects such as Minimum Wage increase, Superannuation rate rise, International Students and Working Holiday Visas, and new shutdown rules for Awards. In addition Paid Parental leave, Payroll Tax in Victoria, and revisions in Child Employment regulations will also be affected. To require dedicated support or if have any questions about workplace laws, please contact our Workplace Relations team at 1800 Retail (738 245).
Sustainability is a key focus for many businesses and understanding where you can comply with State, Territory, and Federal Government legislation, as well as ensuring you manage a cost-effective business, is critical. The National Retail Association’s Policy team are continuing to host frequent sessions covering the State and Territory single-use plastic bans, National Packaging Targets, and the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) to help support you and the movement into a sustainable future. In addition, they have provided a resource from the NABERS program, an energy efficiency measurement and I encourage everyone to read about it here as it provides a simple, reliable, and comparable sustainability measurement.
The 2023 National Retail Awards nomination process is underway! If you are unsure where to begin, check out our quick tips to help you simply navigate the entry process and get started on your award-winning entry today. We cannot wait to see how well you have excelled in the past 12 months. Submissions close on August 31, so reach out if you have any questions or require assistance.
Have a great week ahead.