BUSINESS and procurement professionals from around the Asia Pacific region will be networking and discussing the latest issues in global business as CIPS holds its annual conference and awards in the ICC Venue in Sydney on July 4-5, 2018.

The two day event starts with a ‘focus’ day where delegates can hear panel debates on ethics, eradication of modern slavery and sustainable procurement and how businesses can engage with indigenous suppliers. The second day, the future of procurement, creating diversity and talent management in presentations and workshops. There is also a strong focus on modern slavery.

Now that the Australian Government has introduced The Modern Slavery Bill 2018 to become law by where over 3000 companies and organisations will have to produce an annual statement clearly stating their exposure to modern slavery, procurement and supply chain managers will be on the frontline protecting their supply chains, their businesses and seeking guidance.

The reporting requirement will support Australian businesses to create their modern slavery statements and will offer more information to consumers and investors by providing a practical, risk based framework and guidance. This will increase business awareness of modern slavery, reduce modern slavery risks in Australian goods and services, and drive a business ‘race to the top’ to improve workplace standards and practices. 

The Australian Government has run a comprehensive national consultation process to develop the reporting requirement, including 12 consultation roundtables with over 130 participants, 99 written submissions and over 50 direct meetings with key stakeholders.  The conference will explore these issues and more.

Conference and panel speakers include:

• Gerry Walsh, Group CEO CIPS on the future of procurement
• Mark Lamb, MD of Asia Pacific and conference chair
• Jennifer Morris, CEO, Walk Free Foundation
• Lisa Brock, Chief Procurement Officer, Qantas Airways
• Peter Curcio, Chief Procurement Officer, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group
• Mike Blanchard, Deputy Chief Executive Operations Directorate, Tertiary Education Commission

Mark Lamb, managing director of CIPS Asia Pac, conference chair who also featured recently on ABC News about modern slavery said, “We take slavery in supply chains very seriously, so this conference is timely as the Bill goes through to become law.

“I think this is an excellent first step for Australia because we have already seen it implemented in other countries, and for Australia to have taken the next step is a great move. Understanding what goes on in international supply chains is crucial for any businesses. The exposure to reputation and cashflow damage is intense as consumers and other businesses are becoming more savvy to the horrors of this evil trade.

”Come to the conference and find out more.”

CIPS is also holding its annual awards ceremoney on July 5 to celebrate the best procurement individuals, teams and practice. The shortlist includes:
- NSW Prcourement (Dept. of Finance services and Innovation)
- University of Melbourne
- Western Power
- Queensland Government Procurement, Department of Housing and Public Works
- Wide Bay Hospital and health Service & EY

Find out more on the website.


The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is the world’s largest procurement and supply professional organisation.  It is the worldwide centre of excellence on procurement and supply management issues.  CIPS has a global community of over 200,000 in 180 different countries, including senior business people, high-ranking civil servants and leading academics.  The activities of procurement and supply chain professionals have a major impact on the profitability and efficiency of all types of organisation and CIPS offers corporate solutions packages to improve business profitability. 
In the Australasia region, CIPS has been supporting the profession for over 10 years and lists among its clients several blue-chip organisations including Rio Tinto, Air New Zealand, Spotless, Woolworth and the New Zealand Defence Force.

www.cips.org/en-au/; @CIPSAustralasia

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

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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.

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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.

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