Retailers fight for tax fairness

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) are commencing an advertising campaign on behalf of the retail sector in various major national newspapers this morning, calling on the Government to pass the low value GST legislation which will be in front of the Senate today.

Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director of the ARA said they have been working with the Federal and State Governments to reduce the low value threshold and provide a level playing field for Australian retailers.

“Australian retailers are continually having to pay GST while their foreign counterparts do not, and local online and bricks-and-mortar retailers are sick of the constant delays in implementing this tax equality issue,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“We do not want to take away the right for consumers to purchase from overseas, however we do need to provide a level playing for Australian retailers.”

“This tax equity issue has been going on for years, now the legislation is in front of the Senate, smaller mum and dad retailers are demanding the legislation to be passed.”

Mr Zimmerman said Australian retailers have banded together and are willing to call out those who do not support tax fairness for local retailers.

The ARA strongly support the new legislation before Parliament, and call on the Senate to support small Australian businesses, and level the unfair playing field against international competitors.

“The retail industry is already operating in a tough environment and any delay to this much-needed legislation will significantly affect employers and employees working in this sector,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“We strongly support this proposed GST model and will continue to put pressure on those who oppose the immediate implementation of the low value GST legislation.”

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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