Weekly CEO Update

We are very excited to announce the appointment of James McIlveen to our Membership Team in the newly minted Membership Manager role. James’ extensive experience in membership management and deep understanding of our Association’s goals and values makes James the perfect addition to expand our member services. James will...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

The Federal Budget is just hours away from being formally announced. We have heard some of the government’s spending priorities already, including a significant cost-of-living relief package. Last week the Reserve Bank hiked interest rates once again, bringing the cash rate to 3.85 basis points, adding further challenges to the...

I mentioned last week our team took part in World Retail Congress in Barcelona. Deputy CEO and Director of Legal Lindsay Carroll attended, along with NRA’s 2022 Young Retailer of the Year Stephen Poole, who was awarded the opportunity to travel to Spain for the event. Stephen’s biggest takeaway from...

Lest we forget the brave men and women who served and continue to serve our lucky country this Anzac Day. With Anzac Day, Easter, and for some states, Labour Day occurring within weeks of one another this year, the topic of public holiday surcharges has reached the public domain. As...

Workplace gender equality is progressing towards closing the gender pay gap, but retailers have a role to play to keep the momentum for change moving forward. With the passing of the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Bill through parliament, medium to large retailers of 100...

Happy Easter! I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend and collected part of the projected spending increase from shoppers cashing in on chocolates, gifts, and travel. Back to business, NRA Legal is leading the industry with invaluable information sessions designed for members to ensure you remain compliant. Aussie businesses...

Thousands of retailers descended to the Gold Coast last week for Retail Fest 2023, one of the largest events on the retail calendar. National Retail Association (NRA) was a proud sponsor of the three-day conference that had a stellar lineup of best-in-market speakers and brands. We were immersed in...

Congratulations to newly elected Premier Chris Minns who led New South Wales Labor to victory over the weekend. In the lead up to the election, NSW Labor announced an election commitment to enact harsher penalties for aggressive customers. As we have already seen in South Australia, this would mean...

Australia’s industrial relations landscape is complex at best. While the majority of employers set out to do the right thing by their workers, the chances of making a mistake are extremely high. Fortunately for members, the NRA comprises one of the largest teams of workplace relations experts orientated to...

Australia’s $400 billion retail industry is experiencing seismic shifts in the way households adapt to the cost of living pressures and interest rates. While it is near impossible to predict consumer behaviour in the months ahead, members can prepare for the next quarter with an understanding of the sector’s economic...

Last week the National Retail Association (NRA) released the 3rd edition of our Quarterly Economic Outlook Report, delving into the key statistics from the December quarter and what to look out for in the months ahead. In what is typically the strongest period for retail, new market shifts have emerged...

Last week the federal government announced a $62 million grant package to give retailers some relief from the rising cost of energy. I encourage members to apply for a grant between $10,000 to $25,000 to go towards energy-saving measures for your business, such as high-efficiency air conditioners or the installation...