THE AUSTRALIAN Retailers Association (ARA) is concerned the National Minimum Wage increase of 3.5 percent announced today by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) will stifle jobs growth within the retail sector.

Today the FWC announced the National Minimum Wage will increase to $719.20 per week, or $18.93 per hour from 1 July 2018. The General Retail Industry Award (GRIA) will increase to $789.90 per week or $20.79 per hour for full-time and part-time employees and $25.98 per hour for casuals.

Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA, said Australian retailers were already facing an unsteady trading environment and this increase will be detrimental to the growth and stability of the Australian retail industry.

“Monthly retail sales growth is currently around 2 percent however we would like to see this growth increase to 4 percent to ensure retailers can invest in their business and employ more staff,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“With retailers already struggling to keep their heads above water, today’s 3.5 percent minimum wage increase will stifle retail growth and delay staff employment across the sector.”

As the retail industry is volatile at present, the ARA sought a minimum wage increase of 1.9 percent to increase staff employment by 3.5 percent over the next 12 months.

Given the current state of the sector and recent store closures, Mr Zimmerman said today’s increase would certainly have a negative effect on retailers and could potentially result in job losses.

“The ARA are passionate about maintaining a sustainable wage growth and would like to see retailers given the chance to not only invest in their business, but invest in employment to promote retail as a vibrant career choice for all Australians,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Today’s minimum wage increase is well above inflation, putting the brakes on employment and innovation throughout the industry, which is detrimental for the retail sector.”

With the Australian retail industry employing over 1.2 million people, the ARA believed a 1.9 percent minimum wage increase would have brought balance back into the industry and preserved jobs for Australia’s largest private employer.

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.

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THE Export Council of Australia (ECA), along with principal partner the NSW Government, and its 2018 award partners, have announced that applications are now open for the 2018 Premier’s NSW Export Awards.

The 56^th annual awards were officially launched on May 21 at the Sydney Start Up Hub.

The keynote address at the launch was given by Jonathan O'Dea, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Treasurer who discussed the value of exports to the NSW economy and noted the importance of recognising NSW exporters.

"The NSW Government is determined to help more businesses reach the global markets. We want to see your business shine on the global stage.” Mr O’Dea said.

At last year’s awards there were a record number of companies with 82 finalists across 21 awards categories.

CEO of the ECA, Alina Bain said, “We were pleased to have our 2017 NSW Women in International Business winner, Jane Lu, founder and CEO of Showpo, talk about growing a multi-million-dollar e-commerce business and winning the prestigious award. It is an inspiring story and the e-commerce opportunity is one the awards program in 2018 will explore through its regional events, with upcoming locations in Griffith and Wollongong.

“The Premier’s NSW Export Awards will be entering its 56^th year and as always we will be looking for innovative exporters across the state to profile and celebrate. The awards give exporters the opportunity to make their company and international business story known. The awards are also an acknowledgement of their contribution to NSW’s economic future.” Ms Bain said.

This year the national program will include a new category: Emerging Exporter Award, for outstanding export achievement by an enterprise in any industry sector which has been exporting goods or services for three years or less.

“The awards program looks to celebrate international business success and innovation across NSW," Ms Bain said. "The ECA will be looking for diverse companies from every industry, location and size, companies both emerging and established are encouraged to apply.

"The international business landscape in NSW encompasses many companies working tirelessly to compete on the global stage. NSW’s exporters succeed through persistence and a recognition that Australia’s industry has much value to add for international customers. The awards recognise this challenge and rewards those businesses taking it on.” Ms Bain said.

The ECA is calling on all New South Wales companies engaged in international business to apply for the program.

Information can be found at www.exportaward.com.au/nsw.

Applications will officially close on 17 August 2018. The finalists will be notified in September with winners announced at a prestigious awards presentation dinner on the 24 October 2018 at The Star, Pyrmont.

Winners in the National Award categories will go on to represent the State at the Australian Export Awards National Ceremony in December.

For any enquiries on entering the awards, attending the Sydney launch event or the regional e-commerce events, contact Kristen Mulligan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2018 National award categories:

• Agribusiness
• Business Services
• Creative Industries
• Digital Technologies
• E-commerce
• Education and Training
• Emerging Exporter *NEW*
• Environmental Solutions
• Health and Biotechnology
• Manufacturing
• Minerals, Energy and Related Services
• Regional Exporter
• Small Business

2018 NSW state specific award categories:

• NSW Asian Exporter
• NSW Innovation in Export
• NSW International Development
• NSW Women in International Business
• Western Sydney Exporter
• NSW Defence Industry

 www.export.org.au

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IN ANOTHER positive sign for local industry, Aussie companies are being invited to supply equipment for the Future Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne in South Australia.

The Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, said it’s very important Naval Group Australia continues to engage with Australian industry in the development of Australia’s shipbuilding enterprise.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to creating a sovereign naval shipbuilding capability including the construction and sustainment of the Future Submarine fleet for the Navy,” Minister Pyne said.

“The Future Submarines will be built in Australia, by Australians, and we want to maximise the involvement of local industry in all phases and facets of the program.

“The 15 Expressions of Interest are the first for capital equipment released by Naval Group Australia with more scheduled for release," he said.

“The items required include machining, metal cutting, shot blasting and automated welding equipment.”

Minister Pyne said Australian industry involvement in the Future Submarine Program was expected to generate an annual average of around 2,800 jobs over the life of the program.

“This equipment will be central to creating the Australian capability to manufacture the submarines,” Mr Pyne said.

Interested companies should visit: www.NavalGroupFutureSubmarine.icn.org.au

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THE TEAM at Outsource2Us will present The Many Faces of Marketing Workshop, a free event designed to deliver valuable marketing skills to small businesses, as part of Queensland Small Business Week 2018.

Outsource2Us is conducting The Many Faces of Marketing Workshop on Thursday, May 31 at 5.30pm in the Brisbane suburb of Albion.

Outsource2Us directors Hilary Knights and Jane Toohey said that they were looking forward to providing value to local business owners.

"The workshop has been developed as part of Small Business Week 2018, where the focus is on small business owners networking, connecting and learning new skills to succeed now and in the future," Ms Toohey said.

The team will take attendees through the entire process of marketing a small business, from identifying unique selling points and developing strategy to digital marketing tactics, search engine optimisation and website design.

“We are passionate about helping businesses grow and excited to share our expertise with other local businesses,” Ms Knights said.

Outsource2Us will cover a range of marketing topics during the workshop, which will be held in Albion at Stalled Espresso. Food and beverages will be available to purchase.

www.outsourcetous.com.au

Diary note:

• The event will take place from 5.30pm to 8pm on Thursday 31 May at Stalled Espresso. For more information or to register your interest for this FREE event see https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-many-faces-of-marketing-workshop-tickets-44213404483

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