ILLEGAL tobacco use in Australia continues to grow with a new report revealing around one in every seven cigarettes consumed is illegal, exposing the fact that plain tobacco packaging has proved only a burden to retailers rather than encourage Australians to quit the habit.

Plain packaging has also lead to a shift from retailers who once regulated sales of legal product to an increasing amount of illegal unregulated sales.

The latest in a series of reports by KPMG LLP in the UK, Illicit Tobacco in Australia, shows that illegal tobacco use in the last 12 months has increased from 13.5% to 14.3% of total consumption.

Australian Retailers Association (ARA) Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the change to plain packaging has been a waste of retailers’ time and resources.

“According to the report, had that tobacco been sold legally, the Australian Government would have received an additional $1.2 billion in tobacco excise. Instead of paying tax to the Australian Government, criminals are profiting from this illegal tobacco trade at the expense of local law-abiding retailers who could keep tobacco out of the hands of minors.

"The ARA has long argued the change to plain packaging was an unnecessary burden for small to medium retailers, and it is now further evident that this initiative has had absolutely no effect.

“We are very concerned that illegal tobacco products are swamping the market, and this has only been made worse by plain packaging which has seen product move out of well-regulated legal distribution through retailers.

“The ARA will be making the point to the government that action needs to be taken to address the illegal tobacco trade. The government must consider how ever increasing regulation - whether on cigarette packaging or tax - creates additional incentives for tobacco smugglers. It's not only in their best interests but also in the best interests of Australian businesses,” Mr Zimmerman said.

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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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VICTORIA's peak tourism industry body today said that the industry is encouraged by the pre-election commitments from both major parties to grow tourism in 2015 and beyond.

"Support for key tourism infrastructure, the growth of cultural events and the development of industry skills is in keeping with our ongoing policy agenda and is welcomed by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC)," said VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

Major commitments include:

Key infrastructure

- The Coalition’s decision to expand the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), as well as to fund a feasibility study on a similar centre in Geelong.

"VTIC applauds the Coalition Government’s decision to expand MCEC, and urges Victorian Labor to echo this commitment for the significant benefit it will bring to Victoria’s business events and tourism sector,” said Ms Smith.

- Bipartisan support for the Tullamarine Freeway upgrade, which will improve reliability and cut travel times for visitors who rely on this crucial road. 

Attraction and experience marketing

- The Coalition’s funding commitment for the promotion of Victorian attractions and experiences to boost attendance from local, interstate and international visitors. International high growth markets such as China and South East Asia will be particularly targeted.

Workforce skill development

- Strong commitments to apprenticeships and training by both parties to support the creation of a well-trained, job-ready tourism workforce.

particularly supported is Victorian Labor’s commitment to reforming the vocational education and training system by improving VET regulation and undertaking a review of VET funding.

Cultural events and nature-based attractions

- Bipartisan support for the further development of the Grampians Peaks Trail to boost Victoria’s nature-based tourism credentials, and support for Sovereign Hill's Blood on the Southern Cross experience. 

"The Grampians Peaks Trail development will position Victoria as a key nature-based tourism destination, which will lead to significant job creation and economic benefit,” said Ms Smith.

- Victorian Labor’s commitment to investing in upgrading the iconic Palais Theatre and a Victorian Wine Tourism Strategy to grow regional tourism. 

- The Coalition’s pledge to create the Regional Live Music Strategy to boost medium sized events, its commitment to upgrade visitor facilities at Puffing Billy's Belgrave station and its continued support for the National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda. 

Melbourne's reputation as the global sporting and cultural capital will also be further strengthened after government commitments to extend the Melbourne Grand Prix contract and host soccer's 2015 International Champions Cup Australia. Bipartisan support to upgrade the Junction Oval is also welcome.

Tourism could create nearly 9,000 additional jobs for Victoria over the next two years if the right policy settings are in place, according to VTIC research.

“As a growth sector in a rapidly changing economy, tourism has great job creation potential as it brings in visitors who spend money, which creates jobs and sustains communities,” said Ms Smith.

“We welcome both major parties’ commitments to progressing our key priorities this election.”

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The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events industry, providing one united industry voice. Tourism and events are growth industries for Victoria and contribute $19.6 billion to the state economy each year and employ more than 200,000 people.

vtic.com.au

ENDS

JOIN Australian music icon Tina Arena as she shares her personal story of perseverance, resilience and reinvention over an international music career that spans four decades. 

Hear how Tina has continually developed her skill-base, invested in her brand and broken into new markets to take advantage of opportunities in the ever-changing global entertainment industry.

Tina has built her career on challenging herself to step outside her comfort zone to lead by example and inspire a loyal following.

Learn how Tina’s experiences can help you charge confidently into the New Year.

VECCI’s Women in Business lunch series showcases talented and professionally successful women and gives Victoria’s business women the opportunity to learn from their inspirational stories.

WHERE & WHEN

Thursday 4 December 2014, 12.30pm

Palladium at Crown

Level 1, Crown Towers, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, Melbourne
 
TICKETING OPTIONS
VECCI Members
Individual $185
Table of 10 $1665
 
Non-members
Individual $210
Table of 10 $2025
 
VIP experience $295
Prices include GST.
 
Ticket enquiries: 8662 5333

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The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

IT'S BEGINNING to look a lot like Christmas for outdoor leisure retailers with barbecues, camping and outdoor leisure equipment tipped to rise 135 percent in the lead up to Christmas.

New research by the Australian Retailers Association’s (ARA) and Roy Morgan looks at last year’s Christmas shopping period between November 2013 – January 2014, and reveals the categories showing the largest growth during this period (compared with the rest of the year) are as follows: barbecues, camping and outdoor leisure equipment (up 135 percent), perfume and aftershave (up 58 percent) and women’s dresses (up 54 percent). 

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said these results certainly reflect current consumer buying patterns, with shoppers not only starting to stock up on traditional best-selling gifts such as perfume, aftershave and clothing but also the latest barbecue and camping equipment.

“Australian’s have been born and bred to enjoy the great outdoors over summer and that includes heading away with the family on camping trips and regular social barbecues with friends. We’re expecting to see a lot of tents, picnic gear, high-quality outdoor furniture and other leisure-based gifts under Christmas trees this year. These items are often able to be enjoyed by the entire family, therefore providing great value for money for the penny-conscious shopper.

“The expected rise in sales of 135 percent is music to the ears of Australian outdoor leisure retailers who have been doing it extremely tough over winter.

“When comparing hottest Christmas items of 2013 with hottest Christmas items of 2012, there are a few notable trends that we can expect to see reflected in this year’s Christmas sales. Interestingly, women’s jumpers take the top spot with an increase in sales by over 40 percent year on year. Women’s sleepwear sales are also up significantly (36 percent) but are offset by falls in other women’s apparel categories including jeans (-43 percent), sportswear (-38 percent), socks (-29 percent) and coats (-27 percent).

“Car care products will remain great stocking fillers (up 28 percent) as well as craft and hobby related products which are set to experience a jump in sales by 27 percent this Christmas,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Overall, ARA data shows that shoppers will spend a whopping $45 billion from 15 November until 24 December, representing a 4.3 percent gain on sales during the same period in 2013 ($43 billion).

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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

ends