The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Economic Reform Roundtable consultation.

According to the two organisations, a more productive retail sector means a stronger Australian economy.

“It’s time for reform that delivers for businesses, workers and communities,” they say.  

The ARA and NRA, which propose to amalgamate into the Australian Retail Council, represent a $430 billion sector, and employs 1.4 million Australians, making retail the largest private sector employer in the country and a significant contributor to the Australian economy.  

“However, rising costs, complex regulation and workforce challenges are holding the sector and the broader economy back,” they say.

In a joint submission to Treasury’s Productivity Summit Roundtable, the ARA and NRA outline “bold, practical reforms to unlock growth and resilience”, including:

• Cutting red tape and streamlining planning
• Harmonising national regulations
• Supporting small business with digital and AI capability
• Addressing retail crime
• Aligning tax settings, including a unified 25% company tax rate

The full submission can be read here.