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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Retailers call for rate relief as festive trade slows

Australian retailers have welcomed the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold interest rates this month but have called for immediate...

Australian retailers have welcomed the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold interest rates this month but have called for immediate rate relief as Christmas trade starts to quieten. New Governor Michele Bullock raised interest rates to 4.35 percent just before the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales to put a dampener...

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Rebates available to trim business waste-lines

New incentives are on offer in NSW workplaces to reduce waste, increase recycling, and improve the bottom line thanks...

New incentives are on offer in NSW workplaces to reduce waste, increase recycling, and improve the bottom line thanks to a $6 million rebate initiative over the next three years. NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Executive Director of Programs and Innovation, Kathy Giunta, said businesses, organisations, and councils are invited...

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Message from our Co CEO – 29 November

With only 26 days remaining until Christmas, retailers are full steam ahead with preparations for the upcoming Christmas and...

With only 26 days remaining until Christmas, retailers are full steam ahead with preparations for the upcoming Christmas and Boxing Day festive rush. The National Retail Association are proud to release the latest Quarterly Economic Outlook Report, exclusively crafted for our members. This report offers vital insights into the economy...

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Retailers banking on Christmas after sales dropped in October

Retailers are banking on a windfall from the Christmas sales period after the Australian Bureau of Statistics today revealed...

Retailers are banking on a windfall from the Christmas sales period after the Australian Bureau of Statistics today revealed a 0.2 percent drop in sales for the month of October. This comes after a 0.9 percent sales boost in September, which was undercut by the Reserve Bank’s decision to increase...

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SCCA Research: Retail Trade Analysis – October 2023 (First Release)

Retail Trade trend estimate increased by 0.3 percent in October 2023 and by 1.5 per cent year-on-year The latest release...

Retail Trade trend estimate increased by 0.3 percent in October 2023 and by 1.5 per cent year-on-year The latest release (October 2023) of the monthly ABS Retail Trade data indicates that the overall month-on-month (m-o-m) trend estimate increased by 0.3 percent, equal to 0.3 percent in September and August 2023....

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WA Plastics Ban Update: Produce Bags, Cups and Lids

Rules and dates for produce bags have changed Based on industry feedback and technical analysis, the WA Government has decided...

Rules and dates for produce bags have changed Based on industry feedback and technical analysis, the WA Government has decided to amend the regulations relating to produce bags supplied for loose fresh fruit and vegetables. Plastic produce bags that have achieved an Australian composting standard will be accepted as compliant...

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Combatting Emerging Scams During the Holiday Season

Safeguarding Your Business and Finances: A Comprehensive Guide to Combatting Emerging Scams During the Holiday Season As the holiday shopping...

Safeguarding Your Business and Finances: A Comprehensive Guide to Combatting Emerging Scams During the Holiday Season As the holiday shopping season unfolds with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas approaching, the risk of cybercrime and scams heightens. Also on the horizon is Scams Awareness Week (27 November – 1 December...

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Black Friday tipped to be the bright spot after a dim year for retailers

Tomorrow’s Black Friday sales may be the spark Australian businesses desperately need after a flat year of sales, the...

Tomorrow’s Black Friday sales may be the spark Australian businesses desperately need after a flat year of sales, the National Retail Association has predicted. The increasingly popular Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales event is expected to generate some $6.3 billion in sales over the next four days – around...

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Engaging Junior Workers During the Holiday Season

With the festive sales season in full swing and school holidays around the corner, it is crucial for businesses...

With the festive sales season in full swing and school holidays around the corner, it is crucial for businesses to check their child employment obligations twice and ensure they are compliant when engaging younger workers during the busy holiday season. While the regulations on child employment vary in each State...

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Message from our Co CEO – 22 November 2023

It’s the busiest time of the year for retailers, with Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales already here, and Christmas...

It’s the busiest time of the year for retailers, with Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales already here, and Christmas just a few weeks away. Whilst the retail and macro-economic effects are considerable this year, with weaker consumer sentiment, increasing costs for businesses, and interest rate and inflation rises, there...

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Bringing back Australasian Recycling Label sessions from now until December

The Australian Government is working with Industry to help brands transition to the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL). The ARL is...

The Australian Government is working with Industry to help brands transition to the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL). The ARL is an evidence-based labelling system that is designed to reduce confusion on what is and isn't recyclable in 80% of households with clear and accurate on-pack instructions. It is also designed...

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