THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has applauded the NSW Government in legislating Boxing Day trade across all parts of NSW after it was welcomed by retailers, employees and consumers during a two-year trial.

An independent review with comprehensive feedback from business owners, employees and shoppers has revealed this legislation will level the playing field for retailers who were previously prohibited from taking part in the Boxing Day sales simply because of their location.

ARA Executive Director, Russell Zimmerman said this announcement is great news for NSW retailers as Boxing Day is one of the busiest trading days of the year.

“Consumers want to shop on Boxing Day, and retailers want to trade, it’s as simple as that,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Giving NSW retailers an opportunity to trade on this public holiday not only gives retailers a chance to increase their sales it allows physical stores to compete with online and interstate retailers.”

As the retail sector is the largest private employer, the ARA believes this decision is also great news for NSW retail staff.

“Allowing Boxing Day trade in all areas of NSW gives retailers the opportunity to roster volunteer staff on one of the biggest trading days of the year,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Public holiday rates are a great way for employees to earn money and increasing trading hours for NSW retailers significantly reduces underemployment.”

This legislation aligns with the ARA’s submission to the NSW Government which supports deregulated trading hours on Boxing Day and will be introduced in the coming months.

The ARA will work with retailers and their employees to ensure they are fully aware of their rights ahead of Boxing Day this year.

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 7,000 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 Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hear from a range of organisations, experts and government officials at a public hearing in Canberra on Friday 11 August for its inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia.

The Sub-Committee is investigating measures to improve Australia’s framework for combatting modern slavery. This includes examining whether provisions of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 could be improved and introduced in Australia, such as the requirement for businesses to report on measures to eradicate modern slavery from their global supply chains.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub‑Committee, Mr Chris Crewther MP, said the Sub-Committee welcomed the opportunity to meet with organisations and experts including UNICEF Australia and Dr Anne Gallagher AO, as well as Australian government officials responsible for implementing the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015-2019. The Sub-Committee will also hear from UK witnesses via videoconference, including Ms Caroline Haughey who was commissioned by the UK Government to review the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

“The Sub-Committee looks forward to hearing from these organisations and experts on how Australia can better combat modern slavery here and around the world,” Mr Crewther said. “The opportunity to meet with key government officials will inform the Sub-Committee’s inquiry to ensure that Australia is doing all it can to eradicate these monstrous crimes.”

Public hearing details: 9:00am to 5:00pm, Friday 11 August, Committee Room 2S3, Parliament House, Canberra

The full program for Friday’s hearing is available from the committee’s website.

This hearing will be streamed live at www.aph.gov.au/live.

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

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THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has welcomed a Senate vote to improve access to justice for small business.

Ombudsman Kate Carnell said the passing of Labor’s Competition and Consumer Legislation Amendment addressed a key finding from her Small Business Loans Inquiry.

“Access to justice is an important issue for small business operators,” Ms Carnell said.

“The Senate bill allows Federal Court judges to waive liability for adverse costs to small business private litigants in cases related to the misuse of market power.

“It gives small business operators confidence to proceed with legal action, knowing they will only be liable for their own costs.

“This has the added benefit of filtering cases that might potentially be considered vexatious or unlikely to succeed, saving time and money for all involved.”

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has acknowledged the ATO’s effort to reassure the public of its IT system reliability during tax time 2017.

“It is good to see the ATO proactively reassure the public that its IT systems are withstanding the pressure of the current busy tax return season,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“We look forward to the ATO continuing to maintain functionality of all their systems throughout the rest of tax time 2017.

“Our members have borne the brunt of past system issues over a protracted period.  They are very relieved that the ATO has been able to maintain functionality of all their systems during this important part of the tax season where the bulk of individuals are trying to finalise their tax return and bring closure to the year just ended.

"The proof will be in the pudding and let’s hope for all concerned, that things are back on track. We won't take a backwards step in holding the ATO accountable to deliver a reliable IT system for the benefit of tax practitioners and taxpayers alike,” said Mr Conway.

publicaccountants.org.au

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