QUEENSLAND coal exports are yet to feel the full force of the repeated threat by monopoly rail operator Aurizon to stop the movement of up to 20 million tonnes annually from mine to port.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said it was unsurprising that coal exports were higher this year compared to 2017 due to stronger global demand and the impact of Tropical Cyclone Debbie that crossed the coast in March last year.

“Aurizon’s threat - repeated to investors last week - will have a bigger impact on coal exports than Tropical Cyclone Debbie and it will be spread over the year, not just the wet season,” he said.

“Our trading partners, particularly Japan, are watching Aurizon’s actions closely. Coal is our top export commodity with overseas sales more than $30 billion annually.

"Aurizon continues to gloss over the facts. The coal industry is prepared to sit down with them to develop a united position to the Queensland Competition Authority. But we won't do it with a threat hanging over our head.

"Aurizon needs to resume normal maintenance practices immediately and keep that commitment until the next QCA undertaking is finalised and implemented. They need to remove the threat. We won't negotiate under duress."

The loss of up to 20 million tonnes of coal will slash exports by $4 billion per annum and cut royalties used to pay for State Government services and infrastructure by a staggering $500 million per year.

www.qrc.org.au

ends

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is calling all retailers to put themselves forward to be recognised in the country’s largest and longest running national retail awards program, the 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards.

This year’s awards titled, The Retail Realm: thinking outside the shop, will touch on every element in the retail sphere including customer experience, technology, payments, sustainability, supply chain, growth, employee development and corporate social responsibility.

Russell Zimmerman, ARA executive director, said the 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards would celebrate the breadth of talent across the dynamic and ever-evolving retail landscape.

“Retail is an exceptionally important sector for the Australian economy, and this year’s event will be a great platform for progressive retailers to share their experiences inside and outside the shopfront to inspire future industry leaders to push the retail realm forward,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“As the largest private employer in the country, retail plays a vital role in the daily lives of all Australians and we would like to acknowledge these people who are the backbone of our society.”

With a myriad of Australian retailers eagerly anticipating the event on Thursday 18 October at the Myer Mural Hall in Melbourne, brands across the country are anticipating it to be the biggest and most noteworthy awards breakfast to date.

“This year, we have reimagined the awards and worked with industry experts to determine what constitutes the ‘best in retail’ across three categories - customer experience, retail workers and industry leaders,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“With 13 awards up for grabs, our panel of experts will be looking for exceptional retailers – from independently owner-operators, national brands, industry innovators and inspiring employees - who think beyond the shopfront.”

The 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards echo the strength and diversity of Australian retail and the ARA are once again proud to acknowledge the achievement and talent of passionate retailers in the industry.

“Although retail is a vital part of the Australian economy, it’s important that we recognise the leaders and workers in retail through these awards as they are the heart and soul of the industry,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“As Australia’s leading retail peak industry body, the ARA continues to not only support the $310 billion sector but drive prosperity through its retail workers to ensure the longevity of Australian retail.”

The ARA encourage retailers of all sizes to submit an entry, or nominate an influential leader or instrumental employee before Friday 10 August via The 2018 eftpos ARA Retail Awards platform.

About the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards:

First held in the 1970s, the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are the nation’s longest running and most prestigious retail event, recognising and rewarding outstanding retail businesses, innovations, and individuals across all sectors of retail. Relaunched in 2008, the annual 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards breakfast will commence on Thursday 18 October at the Myer Mural Hall in Melbourne. For more information regarding the 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. As Australia’s leading retail peak industry body, the ARA is a strong pro-active advocate for Australian retail and 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.

ends

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said although May trade figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) are above market expectations, they represent a weaker lead-in to winter than retailers would have liked, displaying a 2.49 percent total growth year-on-year.

Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA, said due to the slow lead-in to winter this year, May retail trade results portray a dim outcome for retailers across the country.

“Although May’s 2.49 percent year-on-year growth seems quite dismal, we need to take into account that this was before the second stage of the penalty rate reduction was implemented and the low-value import threshold (LVIT) GST was introduced,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“While the ARA are concerned with this meek growth, the retail industry received two big wins on July 1 and we look forward to the benefits this will bring our retailers, their staff and the overall economy.”

Food Retailing (3.71%) and Clothing, footwear and personal accessories (3.20%) remained strong, with both categories receiving over 3% growth year-on-year.

“The biggest growth across the ABS retail categories were Liquor (5.95%), Other Retailing (5.77%) and Specialised Food (5.06%) as these categories all received over 5 percent year-on-year growth,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Another positive for May trade is the fact that Department stores have received their best figures since October last year, this could be because they began their mid-year sales earlier.”

Across the country, the Northern Territory (4.27%) continues to improve its upward trend, closely followed by Tasmania (3.82%) and Victoria (3.69%). New South Wales (2.86%), South Australia (2.35%) and the Australian Capital Territory (2.22%) remain steady, while Queensland (1.97%) received minimal year-on-year growth.

"Unfortunately, we’ve seen Western Australia (-0.74%) continue to struggle, returning to negative figures and significantly lagging behind the rest of the country," Mr Zimmerman said.

“The Northern Territory has received its best growth in over a year, which is an encouraging sign for retailers in the top-end of the country."

“And I’m pleased to say at the other end of the country, we can see confidence returning to Tasmania after the State election in March.”

Monthly retail growth (April 2018 – May 2018 seasonally adjusted) 

Department stores (3.87%), Other retailing (-0.09%), Food retailing (0.29%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (2.23%), Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (-0.99%) and Household goods retailing (0.06%).

Tasmania (1.51%), South Australia (1.13%), New South Wales (0.51%), Queensland (0.43%), Northern Territory (0.41%), Victoria (0.23%), Australian Capital Territory (0.02%) and Western Australia (-0.45%).

Total sales (0.37%). 

Year-on-year retail growth (May 2017 – May 2018 seasonally adjusted)

Food retailing (3.71%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (3.20%), Department stores (2.06%). Other retailing (1.58%), Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (1.44%) and Household goods retailing (1.12%). 

Northern Territory (4.27%), Tasmania (3.82%), Victoria (3.69%), New South Wales (2.86%), South Australia (2.35%), Australian Capital Territory (2.22%), Queensland (1.97%) and Western Australia (-0.74%).

Total sales (2.49%).

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. As Australia’s leading retail peak industry body, the ARA is a strong pro-active advocate for Australian retail and 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.

ends

THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has commended the Affordable capital for SME growth report released on Friday (June 29) by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), saying it reinforces many of the sentiments held by the IPA.

“The IPA congratulates ASBFEO for its comprehensive report on the plight of SMEs who struggle to grow their businesses due to the lack of adequate capital, finance and support,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“The recommendations are very consistent with that contained in IPA’s Australian Small Business White Paper and these will be reiterated in the upcoming second edition.

“The next edition of the white paper, which incorporates new research conducted through the IPA Deakin SME Research Centre, will reinforce the access to finance problems that so many small businesses face every day.

“Australia must do everything in its power to support small business productivity and growth for the sake of our economy.

“Facts borne from the ASBFEO report such as small businesses’ 57 percent contribution to GDP and the employment of 7 million people says it all.

“Our research confirms that small business continues to have problems with access to finance and capital; critical elements to support healthy cash-flow that underpins growth opportunities.

“It is also pleasing that ASBFEO included a recommendation for a government guarantee scheme.  The IPA has long advocated for a state-backed loan guarantee scheme for small business since inclusion in our first white paper.

“Australia is one of the only countries in the developed world without such a scheme.  In our view, a loan guarantee scheme would help increase the availability of much-needed, affordable loan finance to the small business sector.

“A limited State-backed guarantee would encourage banks and other commercial lenders to increase loan finance available to small business at affordable rates.  Access to responsible and affordable finance will help many small businesses reinvest in their businesses and help create new ideas, new capacity and new jobs."

publicaccountants.org.au

ends