NSW Skills Minister shines spotlight on retail jobs growth

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) welcomed NSW Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business, John Barilaro at its Learning and Development meeting yesterday in Sydney.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the ARA Learning and Development Committee encompasses some of NSW biggest employers, representing hundreds of thousands of jobs.

“We were honoured to have Minister Barilaro attend our meeting yesterday and provide an overview of the NSW Governments small business and skills policies. The NSW Government is seeking consultation with the retail industry as to how the Government can best provide workforce development and skills from entry to management level retail staff.

“It was welcoming to see how passionate the Minister was about the retail sector. Retail is the largest private sector employer, encompassing 10.6% of the total workforce. Our industry is responsible for jobs creation and career opportunities for thousands of Australians, and we look forward to working alongside the NSW Government to ensure these opportunities are available to retailers both now and in the future,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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