PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) today welcomed the Harper Competition Review Draft Report.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said that this is the first comprehensive review of Australia’s competition law, policy and institutional framework in 20 years.

“The ARA is hopeful that this review will help identify ways to build the economy and promote investment, growth, job creation and durable benefits to consumers and retailers alike.

“We certainly welcome the panel’s view that there is a need to reinvigorate Australia’s competition policy, and ensure that competition policy evolves.

“We were pleased to see the issue of trading hours brought to attention - as long as retailers are not forced to open by landlords if not profitable.

“It was also pleasing to see commentary about the effects test and the ARA will be putting forward a submission in relation to these areas before November to the Competition Policy Review committee,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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KEY insights into the future of mining at a national and global level will be presented by Australia’s national science agency – CSIRO –  at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC 2014) in Melbourne next week (September 22-26).

CSIRO Chief Executive Megan Clark will provide IMARC delegates with a glimpse of mining in 2025 by describing the innovations, megatrends and technologies that will reshape the mining sector as part of an ‘incoming revolution’ (Tues 23 September).

The future of mining in Chile in the context of these global megatrends will be discussed at IMARC (Thursday 25 Sept) by Executive Director of CSIRO Chile Dr Orlando Jimenez.

CSIRO will release national citizen survey reports and data portals for Australia and Chile which will provide new insights into how the mining industry is perceived in each nation and what steps may be needed to sustain community support, acceptance and the ‘social licence to operate’ into the future (Tuesday 26 September).

IMARC participants will have the opportunity to hear from CSIRO’s Mineral Resources Flagship Director Jonathan Law about the key role of innovation in driving much-needed improvements in mining, mineral exploration and processing productivity.

Proving the point that ‘money does grow on trees’, CSIRO research geochemist Dr Mel Lintern will showcase the scientific method used to find gold in gum trees and now being applied for prospecting  in an area of Western Australian Mulga country the size of Greece. (Monday 22 September).

The trade exhibition at IMARC will include further information about a wide range of CSIRO productivity innovations and solutions across the value chain.

Highlights:

Gold in gum leaves and Mulga country – Dr Mel Lintern – Monday 22 September.
Attitudes to mining report release – Dr Kieren Moffat – Tuesday 23 September.
Innovation to drive productivity – Jonathan Law - Wednesday 24-Thursday 25 September.
Future of mining in Chile – Dr Orlando Jimenez - Thursday 25 September.

www.csiro.au

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THE REEF 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan launched today by the Australian and Queensland governments charts the course to progressively restore the health of the Great Barrier Reef over the coming decades. 

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Michael Roche said the action plan identifies the vital steps that must be taken in the next five years and beyond to protect the reef for future generations.

‘The Queensland Resources Council has been proud to be representing the resources sector in helping to develop this landmark Reef 2050 plan that will set a new course for turning around the health of our majestic reef,’ Mr Roche said. 

‘Achieving this ambition for the Reef cannot rely on governments alone. It will only be achievable with significant leadership and involvement from industry and all sectors of the community,’ Mr Roche said.

Reef 2050 is a comprehensive action plan that has been put together under the leadership of the Australian and Queensland governments, working with a Partnership Group comprising stakeholder representatives from the resources, ports, tourism, fishing, agriculture, Indigenous, local government, research and conservation sectors, Mr Roche said.

‘The contribution of the resources sector and its partner the ports sector, to the Reef 2050 actions and commitments is a substantial one, encompassing actions involving water quality monitoring and reporting, port development and dredging management strategies and commitments to using ships and ship crews that have been independently vetted for their quality,’ Mr Roche said.

‘In addition to these Reef 2050 actions, the resources industry expects to spend $250 million over the next 5 years on Reef-related environmental programs. 

‘We are part of a team that is working together to help turn around the health of the reef and I am pleased to say that many of the activities to improve the reef’s resilience are already well underway and achieving measurable gains,’ Mr Roche said.

www.qrc.org.au

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