APCO Reporting Tool 2024: A Guide for Efficient Annual Reporting

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has officially opened its Reporting Tool for the year 2024, signaling the commencement...

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has officially opened its Reporting Tool for the year 2024, signaling the commencement of the annual reporting process for its members. In this announcement, APCO expresses gratitude for the patience of its members and outlines essential details on accessing the tool, resources available,...

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Changes to Packaging Recycling Standards in New Zealand: PREP Updates and Guidance

The Packaging Forum's Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) program is undergoing significant updates in response to the New Zealand Ministry...

The Packaging Forum's Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) program is undergoing significant updates in response to the New Zealand Ministry for Environment's Gazette notice and associated standards for kerbside recycling. The changes, effective from February 1, 2024, aim to standardize materials collected and excluded via household kerbside recycling. The ARL...

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Australian Retail Innovations Awards 2024 Nominations Now Open

Retail Doctor Group is excited to unveil the call for nominations for the fifth annual Australian Retail Innovators 2024...

Retail Doctor Group is excited to unveil the call for nominations for the fifth annual Australian Retail Innovators 2024 Awards. Visit the newly launched website to nominate either your own business or another retailer who has showcased exceptional innovation in the retail sector. The Australian Retail Innovators awards, exclusively hosted...

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Large employer gender pay gaps to be published on 27 February 2024

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) is set to publish the gender pay gaps of large Australian employers with...

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) is set to publish the gender pay gaps of large Australian employers with 100 or more employees on 27 February 2024.   Where will the results be published?  WGEA will publish the gender pay gap results for the period of 1 April 2022 – 31 March...

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Navigating Turbulence: Insights from the 2023 Small Business Data Report by COSBOA and Square

In the face of unprecedented challenges, the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) and Square Australia have jointly...

In the face of unprecedented challenges, the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) and Square Australia have jointly unveiled their illuminating 2023 Small Business Data Report. This comprehensive analysis delves into the struggles and triumphs of Australia's small business sector against the backdrop of a turbulent economic landscape. Luke...

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“Release the handbrake on high interest rates,” retailers urge

Desperate retail business owners are urging the Reserve Bank to release the handbrake on the economy, after the November...

Desperate retail business owners are urging the Reserve Bank to release the handbrake on the economy, after the November retail trade figures showed the Melbourne Cup Day rates hike stopped spending in its tracks. Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today revealed spending in November, which has...

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Advocacy for members takes Center Stage in Festive Season Media Coverage

One of the most important roles for an industry organisation is to ensure its members are represented in public...

One of the most important roles for an industry organisation is to ensure its members are represented in public debate and discussion. The National Retail Association has a strong track record of speaking out on behalf of our members and the retail sector generally.  Understandably, media interest is strongest...

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A Retailer’s Guide to Back-to-School Success in Australia 2024

As the Australian summer draws to a close, the anticipation of a new school year begins to sweep across...

As the Australian summer draws to a close, the anticipation of a new school year begins to sweep across the nation. For retailers, the Back-to-School season presents a golden opportunity to engage with customers and boost sales. In 2024, strategic storytelling will be a key driver in capturing the attention of...

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50 of retail’s brightest minds lend their skills to charity for one day only

Melbourne, Victoria: MI Academy today announced Hack for Heros, a new iteration of the award-winning annual Hack Games event...

Melbourne, Victoria: MI Academy today announced Hack for Heros, a new iteration of the award-winning annual Hack Games event taking place during Retail Week on the 28th February 2024. The event typically focuses on developing innovative commercial solutions for the retail industry but for 2024 it’s changing it’s focus to...

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Changes coming for seafood country of origin labelling for hospitality businesses

In late November 2023, the Australian Government announced new rules around seafood Country of Origin Labelling for hospitality businesses. Consumer...

In late November 2023, the Australian Government announced new rules around seafood Country of Origin Labelling for hospitality businesses. Consumer ministers voted to introduce the AIM model which will require business to show if seafood for sale is either: Australian (A) Imported (I) Mixed origin (M), if a dish includes...

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Regulations to ban additional plastic products in SA

South Australia is committed to phasing out additional single-use and other plastic products over a 3-year period. The first stage...

South Australia is committed to phasing out additional single-use and other plastic products over a 3-year period. The first stage of these bans commenced on 1 September 2023, and included plastic pizza savers, plastic-stemmed cotton buds, single-use plastic bowls without lids for food and beverages, and single-use plastic plates for...

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New regulations for fixed term contracts commence today

Utilising employees on a fixed term basis is an important tool for many businesses to undertake projects, cover long-term...

Utilising employees on a fixed term basis is an important tool for many businesses to undertake projects, cover long-term absences, and manage their workforce. However, as of 6 December 2023, new restrictions on the operation and duration of fixed term contracts have commenced, after being introduced as part of...

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The ARL consumer insights report

Recycling is still seen as the most impactful everyday behaviour consumers can do to help the environment. The Australian...

Recycling is still seen as the most impactful everyday behaviour consumers can do to help the environment. The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has released the ARL Consumer Insights Report, and in fantastic news, awareness of the label continues to grow, and three-quarters of consumers are asking to see...

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Dr Geoffrey Annison on the establishment of a federal Anti-Modern Slavery Commissioner

On 3 November 2023, the Federal Government introduced the Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023 into Parliament...

On 3 November 2023, the Federal Government introduced the Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023 into Parliament establishing Australia’s first federal Anti-Modern Slavery Commissioner. This milestone event was, of course, expected as it was part of the Government’s policy platform going into the 2022 federal election, and...

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Welcoming Minderoo Foundation’s Sarah McEvoy as a Sustainability Consultant

The National Retail Association is pleased to welcome Minderoo Foundation’s Sarah McEvoy as a Sustainability Consultant. Sarah will support industry...

The National Retail Association is pleased to welcome Minderoo Foundation’s Sarah McEvoy as a Sustainability Consultant. Sarah will support industry by making regular contributions to our member communications on the latest research and policy developments across sustainability, plastic pollution and impacts on human health. Sarah McEvoy joined Minderoo Foundation in April...

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Strengthening Cybersecurity for Small and Medium Retail Businesses: A Vital Initiative by the Albanese Government

In response to the mounting cyber threats faced by small and medium businesses, the National Retail Association welcomes the...

In response to the mounting cyber threats faced by small and medium businesses, the National Retail Association welcomes the Australian Cyber Security Strategy introduced by the Albanese Government. Under the leadership of Minister for Cyber Security, Clare O'Neil, this comprehensive strategy, offers support for businesses vulnerable to cyber incidents,...

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