Policy Resources

MSA Submission November 2022

Submission: 2021 Product Safety Priorities Environmental Scan

The National Retail Association thanks the ACCC for providing the opportunity to engage on their review of priorities for 2021 and provide our submission on behalf of the retail industry and our members.

Submission: Evaluating Australia’s Country of Origin Labelling Discussion Paper (September 2020)

The National Retail Association welcomes the opportunity to provide comment on the Australian Government’s evaluation of the reforms to Australia’s Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) regulations for food.

Submission: ACT Single-Use Plastics Draft Bill

As per our submission to the ‘Phasing out single-use plastics’ the NRA supports the ACT Government's review of single-use plastic, and support most aspects of the legislation. However we submit that some challenges and queries persist.

Submission: QLD single-use plastics (July 2020)

The Queensland Government is proposing a ban on the supply of specific single-use plastic products, starting with straws, cutlery, plates and stirrers. While retailers support most of these bans, the NRA has made submissions to highlight challenges and considerations...

Submission: Victoria Container Refund Scheme

The National Retail Association (NRA) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the introduction of a Container Refund Scheme for Victoria and our inclusion on the Advisory Group.

Submission: Tasmania Container Refund Scheme Discussion Paper

The NRA welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the introduction of a Container Refund Scheme for Tasmania and our inclusion on the Advisory Group.

Submission: NSW Plastics Policy (May 2020)

The NSW Plastics Plan Discussion Paper - Cleaning Up Our Act outlines the first step in developing a new, comprehensive approach to reducing plastic use and managing plastic waste and pollution in NSW. The NRA supports the intent of the Paper and our submission outlines a roadmap to implementing positive initiatives while maintaining national consistency, commercial viability and realistic timeframes.

Submission: ACCC Button Battery Safety – Assessment of Regulatory Options (May 2020)

The NRA agrees with the ACCC and supports Option 3 for a mandatory safety and information standard that includes Options 1 and 2 and includes a requirement for warnings and information...

Submission: Review of the Information Standard – Care Labelling for Clothing and Textile Products (June 2019)

The National Retail Association submits that the information standard should be revoked as the regulation of care labelling for garments and other textiles is unnecessary, can create more confusion with product safety labelling, and unduly increases cost burdens on businesses...

Submission: ACCC 2020 Product Safety Priorities (October 2019)

As new products are rapidly being developed across the world, more products are entering the Australian marketplace and will continue to present new and emerging safety considerations...

Submission: ACCC Button Battery Issues Paper (September 2019)

The NRA supports the inclusion of “Improving button battery safety” in the Product Safety Priorities 2019 as published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)...

Submission: Button Batteries in Toys for Children up to and including 36 months (December 2019)

The members of the NRA’s Technical Standards Committee (NRATSC) prefer to use the voluntary Australian standard AS/NZS 62115:2018 Electric toys – Safety. However, we have no objection adopting ASTM F963-17 Standard Consumer Safety Specification For Toy Safety...

Submission: Review of the information standard – Cosmetic ingredient labelling (January 2020)

The NRA submits that a combination of Option 1 (to maintain the current information standard) and Option 3 (to allow overseas standards) is the preferred option...

Submission: Improving the Effectiveness of the Consumer Product Safety System (December 2019)

The National Retail Association welcomes the opportunity to make submissions to Commonwealth Treasury on the consultation paper: Improving the Effectiveness of the Consumer Product Safety System...

Submission: QLD single-use plastics (April 2020)

The Queensland Government is proposing a ban on the supply of specific single-use plastic products, starting with straws, cutlery, plates and stirrers. While retailers support most of these bans, the NRA has made submissions to highlight challenges and considerations...

Submission to SA Government: Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Bill 2019

In response to South Australian Government's Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Bill 2019. The National Retail Association supports the intent of the Bill but has concerns regarding national consistency, definition of terms, exemptions, exclusion of compostable alternatives and other issues...

Submission: QLD Small Business Strategy

Response to: Queensland Small Business Strategy Discussion Paper. The National Retail Association welcomes the Minister’s attention on Small Business and agree that small businesses are both economically and socially vital to our regions, providing local jobs and reinvesting back into local communities...

Submission: Hobart Single-Use Plastics By-Law (Nov 2019)

The NRA support the positive intentions of initiatives to reduce plastic litter, but strongly oppose premature regulatory intervention, such as the proposed by-law, as this: jeopardises national consistency; contradicts and diverts focus from existing projects and plans at a national and state level; fails to recognise the lack of viable, safe alternatives for the broad range of items included; creates confusion with poor definitions and loopholes; creates competitive and customer disadvantages; incurs high and unreasonable costs on business and customers; lacks comprehensive education and support mechanisms for industry; and lacks comprehensive plans to educate the public.

Submission: Response to WA Single-Use Plastics Issues Paper (July 2019)

Response by National Retail Association to WA Single-Use Plastics Issues Paper (July 2019) >

Submission: Response to ACT ‘Phasing out single-use plastics’ Discussion Paper (July 2019)

Response by the National Retail Association to ACT  ‘Phasing out single-use plastics’ Discussion Paper (July 2019)

Submission: Response to Christmas Eve Part-Day Public Holiday Proposal (2019)

The NRA does not support the proposal by the Queensland Government to implement a part-day public holiday on Christmas Eve. We firmly believe that the increased costs imposed on our members would have a severe negative impact...

Submission: Product Safety in Online Marketplaces (2019)

Submission to ACCC & Treasury: Australian consumers are exposed to unacceptable risk as large e-commerce marketplaces and innumerable e-shops have been found to sell products that do not meet Australian safety standards...

Mandatory signage A5 - 2024 QLD Knife and Controlled Items

Official mandatory signage which must be displayed in stores from 1 Sept 2024 (A5 horizontal and vertical formats)

Mandatory signage A4 - 2024 QLD Knife and Controlled Items

Official mandatory signage which must be displayed in stores from 1 Sept 2024 (A4 horizontal and vertical formats)

Knife sale laws across Australia

Comparison table of requirements for the sale of knives and other controlled items across Australia. Updated 20 June 2024.

*Main Guide for Sellers* - 2024 QLD Knife and Controlled Items

Comprehensive Guide for Sellers of knives and other controlled items in QLD. Page 8 updated 4 July 2024.

Basic factsheet A4 - 2024 QLD Knife and Controlled Items

One page factsheet outlining seller responsibilities and support services for business

Presentation - 2024 QLD Knife and Controlled Items

Powerpoint presentation slides used by National Retail during our weekly information sessions

Small Customer Flier - 2024 QLD Knife and Controlled Items

Small (A6) flier ideal for businesses to print and place at your service desk or counter to explain the laws to customers when needed.

Optional campaign posters - 2024 QLD Knife and Controlled Items

Optional campaign posters and point-of-sale materials (A4 to small shelf-talkers). Please note these campaign materials are not a replacement for mandatory signage.

Staffroom posters - 2024 QLD Knife and Controlled Items

Two A4 posters - Employee obligations and How to check ID

Sample staff acknowledgement - 2024 QLD Knife and Controlled Items

Sample form for staff to acknowledge they have been instructed and warned of their obligations

Spread the word (comms kit) - 2024 QLD Knife and Controlled Items

Kit of sample emails, social media posts and key resources to distribute to your network of businesses. (MS Word doc)

Social media tiles - 2024 QLD Knife and Controlled Items

Assortment of social media images and website banners to promote the support services available to sellers.

Safe Retail Precincts: Campaign Brochure

Safe Retail Precincts Program - Retailer Handbook Safe Retail Precincts aimed to create vibrant retail precincts through shared intelligence, collaboration and vigilance.

Safe Retail Precincts: Identify and Report Suspicious Behaviour

Safe Retail Precincts: Active Armed Offender Emergency Response

Workers, retailers and retail property owners unite to combat rising violence against workers and retail crime

Retail Crime Statistics - Assault & Theft

The 2022 Australia and New Zealand Retail Crime Study

Manual Handling Guidance

First Aid Checklist

Fire Safety Checklist

Emergency Plans in the Workplace

Bag Check Condition of Entry Signage

CCTV Warning Signage

Bag Check Flyer

Bag Check Code of Practice

Counterfeit notes guide

Retailers have reported a rise in the frequency and quality of counterfeit bank notes. The NRA developed a guide on how to spot and avoid accepting a fake note as part of the National Retail Association SafeCity Network.

National Theft and Assault Statistics

Theft and assault data as reported to state and territory police.

Safe Retail Precincts: Armed Offender Poster (Chinese)

Safe Retail Precincts: Identify & Report Suspicious Behaviour (Chinese)

Factsheet - Support for Combatting Abuse

Factsheet - Support for Essential Retail Workers

Factsheet - Support for Harsher Retail Crime Penalties

Factsheet - Abuse Forcing Workers Out of Retail

Business Security

Steps to reduce the risk of crime to your business.

Business Security Assessment

Use this form to assess your current security arrangements and adapt suggestions to suit your business needs.

Retail and Fast Food Industry Statement

A statement committing to a retail and fast food industry free from abuse and violence - contributing to creating vibrant, healthy and safe workplaces and communities for both workers and customers.

Escape plan template (docx)

Have you got an escape plan? Under the Australian Standard AS 3745:2010 Planning for emergencies in facilities, your escape plan must meet minimum requirements. The National Retail Association has created a basic template for an escape plan adapted from the standard fire evacuation plan issued by local authorities.

Escape plan template (pdf)

Have you got an escape plan? Under the Australian Standard AS 3745:2010 Planning for emergencies in facilities, your escape plan must meet minimum requirements. The National Retail Association has created a basic template for an escape plan adapted from the standard fire evacuation plan issued by local authorities.

SafeCity Network 2018-19 Results

The SafeCity Network trial saw a 21% increase in reported crime in Brisbane & Fortitude Valley compared to 2% increase the previous year ...

Refund fraud

Look out for 'de-tagging'

Multiple retailers have reported finding security tags left in change rooms or on the shop floor, pointing to the use of ‘de-taggers’...

Tips for approaching a shoplifter

The QPS recommends taking the following actions when choosing to engage with a shoplifter...

NRA SafeCity Network overview

On 1 March 2018, the NRA launched the NRA SafeCity Network as a trial in Brisbane aimed at increasing collaboration and insight between retailers to reduce retail crime...

The hidden costs of retail crime

In order to better assist retailers, the National Retail Association has prepared the following case study on retail crime on Brisbane’s city retail precinct...

Best practice guide for the design of safe infant sleeping environments 2022

INPAA Button Battery Safety & Compliance Presentation

A presentation outlining button battery standards and safety in Australia.

Submission: 2021 Product Safety Priorities Environmental Scan

The National Retail Association thanks the ACCC for providing the opportunity to engage on their review of priorities for 2021 and provide our submission on behalf of the retail industry and our members.

Children's Apparel Product Safety Guidelines - Second Revision (2020)

The second revision of the Children's Apparel Product Safety Guidelines developed by the National Retail Association Technical Standards Committee.

Presentation: Battery Stewardship Scheme update from the Battery Stewardship Council

Presentation includes clarification on frequently asked questions from retailers.  

Submission: Evaluating Australia’s Country of Origin Labelling Discussion Paper (September 2020)

The National Retail Association welcomes the opportunity to provide comment on the Australian Government’s evaluation of the reforms to Australia’s Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) regulations for food.

Submission: ACCC Button Battery Safety – Assessment of Regulatory Options (May 2020)

The NRA agrees with the ACCC and supports Option 3 for a mandatory safety and information standard that includes Options 1 and 2 and includes a requirement for warnings and information...

Submission: Review of the Information Standard – Care Labelling for Clothing and Textile Products (June 2019)

The National Retail Association submits that the information standard should be revoked as the regulation of care labelling for garments and other textiles is unnecessary, can create more confusion with product safety labelling, and unduly increases cost burdens on businesses...

Submission: ACCC 2020 Product Safety Priorities (October 2019)

As new products are rapidly being developed across the world, more products are entering the Australian marketplace and will continue to present new and emerging safety considerations...

Submission: ACCC Button Battery Issues Paper (September 2019)

The NRA supports the inclusion of “Improving button battery safety” in the Product Safety Priorities 2019 as published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)...

Submission: Button Batteries in Toys for Children up to and including 36 months (December 2019)

The members of the NRA’s Technical Standards Committee (NRATSC) prefer to use the voluntary Australian standard AS/NZS 62115:2018 Electric toys – Safety. However, we have no objection adopting ASTM F963-17 Standard Consumer Safety Specification For Toy Safety...

Submission: Review of the information standard – Cosmetic ingredient labelling (January 2020)

The NRA submits that a combination of Option 1 (to maintain the current information standard) and Option 3 (to allow overseas standards) is the preferred option...

Submission: Improving the Effectiveness of the Consumer Product Safety System (December 2019)

The National Retail Association welcomes the opportunity to make submissions to Commonwealth Treasury on the consultation paper: Improving the Effectiveness of the Consumer Product Safety System...

Best Practice Guide: Toppling furniture safety (2018)

In an effort to educate consumers, retailers and manufacturers about the dangers of toppling furniture, and the steps that should be taken to prevent this, the National Retail Association Technical Standards Committee released a Best Practice Guide for Furniture and Television Tip-Over Prevention in 2016.

Submission: Product Safety in Online Marketplaces (2019)

Submission to ACCC & Treasury: Australian consumers are exposed to unacceptable risk as large e-commerce marketplaces and innumerable e-shops have been found to sell products that do not meet Australian safety standards...

Video: conducting product recalls

Provided by GS1 Australia. Hear from key product safety experts involved in the grocery industry about what they see as the important factors in successfully communicating product recalls with the intention of acting as quickly as possible. These industry processes and best practices can be applied across sectors.

Container Deposit Scheme - Summary table

The National Retail Association, in collaboration with Australian Beverages and the Australian Institute of Packaging has developed a dedicated member resource that outlines the current State and Territory Container Deposit Schemes (CDS) and eligible and non-eligible containers in each scheme. Updated: 19 September 2024

National Retail Association Single-Use Plastic Bans Summary

Summary table covering all Australian and New Zealand single-use plastics regulations. Updated regularly

Sustainability in the Retail Supply Chain | 2021

As online shopping rates remain high due to the impacts of COVID-19, sustainability is more important to Australian consumers than ever before, with 63% stating they would pay extra for a delivery service that was more environmentally-friendly. A new research report ‘Sustainability in the Australian Retail Supply Chain’ commissioned by Manhattan Associates, Shippit and Greener – in partnership with the National Retail Association (NRA) and NORA, also revealed 60% of Australian consumers are open to receiving a delivery at a later date if it meant that it was delivered more sustainably.

Detailed decision guide on plastic disposal

Detailed decision guide on plastic disposal from University of Technology Sydney.  

Submission: ACT Single-Use Plastics Draft Bill

As per our submission to the ‘Phasing out single-use plastics’ the NRA supports the ACT Government's review of single-use plastic, and support most aspects of the legislation. However we submit that some challenges and queries persist.

Submission: QLD single-use plastics (July 2020)

The Queensland Government is proposing a ban on the supply of specific single-use plastic products, starting with straws, cutlery, plates and stirrers. While retailers support most of these bans, the NRA has made submissions to highlight challenges and considerations...

Submission: Victoria Container Refund Scheme

The National Retail Association (NRA) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the introduction of a Container Refund Scheme for Victoria and our inclusion on the Advisory Group.

Submission: Tasmania Container Refund Scheme Discussion Paper

The NRA welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the introduction of a Container Refund Scheme for Tasmania and our inclusion on the Advisory Group.

ReThink Sustainability Complete Energy Profiling

Submission: NSW Plastics Policy (May 2020)

The NSW Plastics Plan Discussion Paper - Cleaning Up Our Act outlines the first step in developing a new, comprehensive approach to reducing plastic use and managing plastic waste and pollution in NSW. The NRA supports the intent of the Paper and our submission outlines a roadmap to implementing positive initiatives while maintaining national consistency, commercial viability and realistic timeframes.

Submission: QLD single-use plastics (April 2020)

The Queensland Government is proposing a ban on the supply of specific single-use plastic products, starting with straws, cutlery, plates and stirrers. While retailers support most of these bans, the NRA has made submissions to highlight challenges and considerations...

Submission to SA Government: Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Bill 2019

In response to South Australian Government's Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Bill 2019. The National Retail Association supports the intent of the Bill but has concerns regarding national consistency, definition of terms, exemptions, exclusion of compostable alternatives and other issues...

Submission: Hobart Single-Use Plastics By-Law (Nov 2019)

The NRA support the positive intentions of initiatives to reduce plastic litter, but strongly oppose premature regulatory intervention, such as the proposed by-law, as this: jeopardises national consistency; contradicts and diverts focus from existing projects and plans at a national and state level; fails to recognise the lack of viable, safe alternatives for the broad range of items included; creates confusion with poor definitions and loopholes; creates competitive and customer disadvantages; incurs high and unreasonable costs on business and customers; lacks comprehensive education and support mechanisms for industry; and lacks comprehensive plans to educate the public.

National Waste Policy Action Plan 2019

8 Nov 2019: The Australian Government has released its Action Plan for a National Waste Policy...

Submission: Response to WA Single-Use Plastics Issues Paper (July 2019)

Response by National Retail Association to WA Single-Use Plastics Issues Paper (July 2019) >

Submission: Response to ACT ‘Phasing out single-use plastics’ Discussion Paper (July 2019)

Response by the National Retail Association to ACT  ‘Phasing out single-use plastics’ Discussion Paper (July 2019)

5 Tips to Get Your Lease in Shape

The top 5 things you need to do to make sure your retail lease is in the best shape for 2019. A general health check on your retail lease will highlight what steps can be taken to save you money and put your business in a far healthier position...

Tackling retail's biggest challenge - retail overheads

Rental overheads are the biggest challenge keeping retailers awake at night, according to Inside Retail’s 2017 Australian Retail Outlook. Over four articles, leasing expert, Kyle Swain, explores the best ways for retailers to negotiate better lease terms.

Christmas and New Year Trading Hours 2024-2025

2024 Easter & ANZAC Day Non-Exempt Trading Hours

Access our comprehensive guide detailing the 2024 Easter & ANZAC Day Non-Exempt Trading Hours across all Australian states and territories.

2024 Public Holidays and Important Retail Dates

231013 - Christmas and New Years Trading Hours 2023-2024

2023 Easter and Anzac Day Non-Exempt Trading Hour Restrictions

2023 Public Holidays and Important Retail Dates

National Day of Mourning 22 September Trading Hours Fact Sheet

2022 Easter and Anzac Day Non-Exempt Trading Hour Restrictions

2022 Public Holidays and Important Retail Dates

Trading Hours Summary: Christmas and New Year 2021

Summary of national Christmas and New Year's trading hours.

Adelaide Retail Trading Hours Report

2021 Easter and Anzac Day Non-Exempt Trading Hour Restrictions Factsheet

Easter and Anzac Day 2020

Easter and Anzac Day 2020 public holidays and trading hours factsheet.

Public Holidays 2020

Summary of public holidays in 2020.

Remembrance Day – Advice for Retailers

Advice for retailers and shopping centres to observe the one-minute's silence to pay tribute to those who have served during times of war and armed conflict.

National Christmas and New Years Trading Hours 2019-2020 Factsheet Summary

Summary of national Christmas and New Years trading hours.

Submission: Response to Christmas Eve Part-Day Public Holiday Proposal (2019)

The NRA does not support the proposal by the Queensland Government to implement a part-day public holiday on Christmas Eve. We firmly believe that the increased costs imposed on our members would have a severe negative impact...

2019 Easter & Anzac Day Trading Hours Factsheet

National Retail Survey Sentiment Results March 2024

Small businesses invited to have their say (QLD)

2023 Public Holidays and Important Retail Dates

MSA Submission November 2022

Snapshot of Employment by Industry 2019

A snapshot of employment by industry released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Remembrance Day – Advice for Retailers

Advice for retailers and shopping centres to observe the one-minute's silence to pay tribute to those who have served during times of war and armed conflict.