THIS WEEK's Carbon Nexus opening was welcomed by VECCI for the benefits it will bring to the Geelong-region and the Victorian economy.

“The Carbon Nexus opening is a significant event for the region and Victoria, as carbon fibre is a vital part of developing the Geelong-region’s potential as a global advanced manufacturing leader,” said VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone.

“Building Victoria’s international competitiveness must be a pillar of our state’s longer term growth strategy, so it’s positive to see support for industries with demonstrated growth potential that can take advantage of global opportunities.

“As the Victorian economy continues to undergo change it is important that governments look to capitalise on our core strengths, so we welcome today’s opening,” said Mr Stone.

Mr Stone’s comments come after Premier Denis Napthine officially opened Carbon Nexus today, as part of Deakin University’s Australian Future Fibres Research and Innovation Centre.

“It’s positive to see both state and federal government’s supporting industries that make Victoria more competitive and prepared to take advantage of international opportunities,” said Mr Stone.

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

www.vecci.org.au

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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone has released the peak Victorian employers body's early analysis of the Federal Budget.

"The Budget is squarely focused on reducing the cost and size of government comes as no surprise and VECCI recognises the difficult financial position the government inherited and that the burden of restoring it to surplus must be shared across business and the community," Mr Stone said.

He said some positives for Victorian business included:

• $1.5bn commitment to East West Link Stage 2, which will deliver jobs and improved freight movement and commuter travel times.
• The recycling of proceeds from privatisation of government assets into new infrastructure and the creation of financial incentives for the Victorian government to do this.
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• Confirmation of the previously announced cut to the company tax rate to 28.5% which will reduce the cost of doing business.

"It is pleasing that the Deficit Levy will be a temporary measure only but it is important that the Government sticks to its budget strategy and returns the budget to balance by 2018/19," he said.

"The reintroduction of the indexation of the fuel excise will raise business costs so it is at least a positive that proceeds will be directed into road infrastructure projects that will create jobs and boost productivity.

"Amid the changes to funding for assistance programs for business, there is still an important role for targeted industry assistance with measurable benefits that support industries in transition and/or with export potential, which appears to have been recognised.

"There will be some improvements to tourism promotion at a time when Australia needs to do more to leverage opportunities in the Asia century and particularly with China.

"The proposal to reduce the cap for the Government’s proposed Paid Parental Leave is warranted but given the overall state of the Budget, the scheme is still beyond what is affordable and the levy on big business remains counterproductive."

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

www.vecci.org.au

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VECCI welcomes the State and Federal Government’s $50 million investment in the Latrobe Valley’s brown coal industry because of the positive economic benefits it could bring to the region and potentially, across Victoria. 

“Funding that assists business to transition into the production of new products using a plentiful natural resource of Victoria is good policy,” says VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone.

“Given the magnitude of Victoria’s brown coal reserve, it makes sense to explore new uses for it and we should pursue the range of possibilities, particularly if they could lead to greater prosperity.”
 
The Federal Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and Victorian Minister for Energy Russell Northe announced the funding today as part of the 50:50 State-Commonwealth Advanced Lignite Demonstration Program.

“Strong regional economies are vital to a strong Victoria. VECCI has long recognised and supported the significant contribution the Latrobe Valley makes to the Victorian economy and supports efforts to continue to strengthen and transition the local economy,” says Mr Stone.

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

www.vecci.org.au

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PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), representing the majority of Australia retailers, has welcomed moves in the just-released Federal Budget to get spending under control. Concerns remain, however, over the impact of increased taxes on consumers.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said that while the ARA supports the Government’s reduction in spending to reduce debt, there are concerns over the impact that increased taxes will have on consumer spending and confidence.

“We are only just beginning to see retail and the services sectors regain momentum after many years in the doldrums. It would be a travesty if these tax increases impacted on that recovery to the sector and the services economy.

“The ARA commends the Government on reducing the long-term blow out in Government expenditure through a solid plan which will see supply chain improvements and efficencies through infrastructure spend.

“We commend the Government’s decision to abolish the carbon tax. The ARA has long campaigned for the removal of this unnecessary cost burden to retailers and consumers, and we are confident the decision to finally remove the carbon tax will be music to the ears of business owners.

“The ARA was pleased to hear $1 billion p.a in red tape will be removed – allowing retailers to get on with the job of doing business.

“The 1.5 percent cut on company tax for small business is also welcomed by retailers.

“We are still waiting, however, for a decision to be finalised on removal of the low value GST exemption for overseas goods under $1000.

“The ARA welcomes the establishment of the Industry Skills Fund ($476 million over four years). We will be looking to this fund to assist in the growing skills gap in the services sector, as this sector supports jobs growth. We hope to see the Industry Skills Fund start to bridge the gap between training and employment.

“Moves to support employees in the over 50s bracket to gain jobs could open the door to older workers entering the retail sector.

“Overall, this budget does deliver much needed structural change. What we need to see now is every effort made not to harm consumer confidence further with a clear long term plan from Government to support consumers through future tax cuts and short term support from agencies such as the RBA,” 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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FOLLOWING yesterday’s decision by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) on the Restaurant and Catering Award for penalty rates, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is hopeful we will see a common sense outcome in this year’s Retail Award Review due later this year.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the ARA has been in discussions with retailers nationwide and believes there is a sound economic and social argument to bring penalty rates in line with Saturday rates.

“We know if retail is to compete with new sales channels we need to be more flexible. Employees as well as consumers today see Sunday’s as little different to Saturdays.

“The minority of the Full Bench of the FWC stated the following in relation to the Restaurant Award: 
 'From the evidence led in this case we are not persuaded that in the restaurant and catering industry there is an ongoing justification for a level of Sunday penalties significantly above the Saturday rate for employees'.

“ARA research conducted through Monash University showed that employees were overwhelmingly prepared to work on Sundays for sensible rates of pay. Click here to see research report.

“There are numerous categories of employees in retail who prefer to work on weekends. For students, weekends may be the only time they are available to work. 

"For dual income families, it is an opportunity to share the caring burden and to minimise child care costs while at the same time allowing for sufficient family time. For many others, it represents an opportunity to pursue their interests, be they sporting, cultural or leisure, at times when competition for the activities associated with those interests is reduced.

“We are heartened that the FWC is beginning to understand the problems Sunday penalties cause, and that there is at least some recognition that high penalty rates can negatively impact on employees in their pursuit of greater employment opportunities.

“The ARA will be pushing hard to ensure retailers gain some relief from Sunday penalties and are able to continue their strong tradition of providing employment opportunities, particularly to young people, that are so crucial to the success of the Australian economy” 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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THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) acknowledges the solid support for tourism in the 2014-15 federal budget. 

VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith says the government has identified tourism as one of five National Investment Priorities, and despite tight fiscal parameters the budget contains a number of initiatives to strengthen the tourism sector.

These include:

- $43 million for a new Tourism Demand-Driver Infrastructure Programme;

- $10 million in new funding for the Australia-China Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme.

Ms Smith said she was pleased to see funding allocations for the industry’s key visitor growth market, China.

“Asia-ready product marketing is an issue VTIC has aggressively advocated for and we congratulate the Treasurer on heeding VTIC’s advice on this important issue. I hope that this first budget from the Abbott Government is an indication of its ongoing commitment to the tourism industry, which is set to be one of Australia’s economic growth engines over the next 20 years. This includes vital infrastructure support,” says Ms Smith.

Also welcome is the decision to freeze the Passenger Movement Charge and provide multiple entry three year Visas for Chinese business visitors.

“Importantly the budget reaffirms the government’s funding support for Tourism Australia which is vital to ensuring Australia’s tourism marketing capitalises on emerging opportunities in the competitive global marketplace,” says Ms Smith. 

“With almost 1,000,000 jobs linked to Australian tourism, this support comes at an important time in the sector’s continuing development.

“The budget’s focus on developing tourism infrastructure, improving visitor experiences and raising tourism visitor expenditure is appropriate.

“It also complements recent announcements in the Victorian state budget that are focused on enhancing tourism marketing and improving visitor amenities.”

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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 $19.1 billion to the state economy each year and employ more than 201,000 people.

www.vtic.com.au

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PEAK retail body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) encourages retailers to get their submissions in for the 2014 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards – entries close 5pm today.

Tickets are also selling fast for the retail industry’s most recognised awards event of the year - the 2014 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards Breakfast on Tuesday July 15 at the Grand Hyatt, Melbourne – where all award category winners will be announced.

The 2014 ARA Awards are shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before, complete with a brand new venue, new collection of awards on offer and new major sponsor – eftpos.

Eftpos Managing Director Bruce Mansfield said he hoped to see a record number of retailers submit nominations for this year’s awards, and share their success stories.

“Eftpos is proud to support these awards because they recognise the extraordinary work that is done by the hundreds of thousands of retailers who serve the Australian community every day,” Mr Mansfield said.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the ARA Retail Awards program is an ideal vehicle for driving successful retail players from the shop floor to the national stage.

“As Australia's only national retail award program, the ARA Awards have played a hand in helping many recipients achieve greater success.

“The ARA Awards Breakfast is not only a fantastic platform for award winners to gain recognition amongst their peers and in the media, but also a great opportunity for all involved in the retail industry to enjoy a morning of valuable insights and networking with some of retail’s finest.

“We’re thrilled to announce that a very high calibre of submissions have already arrived in the office over the past week or so. We are looking forward to judging day and also the opportunity to provide recognition to our hard working retail professionals – mums and dads, families, individuals, graduates and entrepreneurs – who are shaping the retail landscape of tomorrow,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Tickets are on sale now. Prices are as follows:

ARA members $60
Non members $80
ARA members table of 10 $500
Non members table of 10 $700

eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards -  key information and dates:

WHAT: 2014 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards
WHEN: Nominations now open and due by Friday 16 May 2014
Winners will be announced at the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards Breakfast in Melbourne on 15 July 2014 (tickets available at www.australianretailawards.com.au).
TO ENTER/NOMINATE: Visit www.australianretailawards.com.au to view eligibility criteria and select from eleven award categories
TO BUY TICKETS: Visit www.australianretailawards.com.au
MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.australianretailawards.com.au, call 1300 368 041 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

AWARD CATEGORIES: eftpos Australian Retailer of the Year, BDO Australian Retail Employer of the Year, Visa Australian Independent Retailer of the Year, Quest Payment Systems Australian Retail Innovator of the Year, Expr3ss! Staff Selection Software Australian Retail Graduate of the Year, eBay Inc Australian Multichannel Retailer of the Year, FCB Australian Retail HR Practitioner of the Year, Rest Industry Super Individual Retailer of the Year – male & female, Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Retailer of the Year, Victorian Government Victorian Retailer of the Year and the Shop for Shops Australian Retail Store Upgrade of the Year.

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.
 

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said the seasonally adjusted rise (0.1 percent increase) in monthly retail trade figures (month-on-month) reported today by the ABS followed a 0.2 percent rise in February 2014.

Year on year retail growth also rose 5.6 percent in March 2014, seasonally adjusted, compared to March 2013 - a hopeful sign that the retail industry may be on the long road to recovery. 

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said March trade results could have been better, but the 0.1 percent increase was somewhat expected after such a strong period of trading throughout January and February.

“Australians love a good coffee and dining out with friends and family, and consumers certainly made the most of the final summer days in March with cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services experiencing steady growth at 1.1% and food retailing at 0.5%.

“Department stores experienced stagnant sales (-0.1%) and clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing also dropped (-0.3 per cent). We can put this down to the warm March weather, with consumers holding off on purchasing their winter wardrobes and enjoying the sunshine instead. Given the cool change experienced late April, we are hoping to see an upswing in retail spend in April trade figures.

“Turnover rose in New South Wales (0.8%), Queensland (0.2%), Tasmania (0.8%) and the Northern Territory (0.1%). These rises were partially offset by falls in Western Australia (-0.9%), South Australia (-0.8%), Victoria (-0.2%) and the Australian Capital Territory (-0.8%).

“Although retail trade started off strong this year, unfortunately the SME sector is still struggling. Retailers are counting on interest rates remaining low to be able to cope.

“The ARA urges the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to cut interest rates next month given imminent Federal Budget cuts. The RBA’s decision this week to keep the cash rate on hold has concerned retailers and consumers alike, who are nervous about the Federal Budget announcement next Tuesday. We are aware that the Federal Budget announcement will likely result in budget cuts, affecting both retailers and consumers,” Mr Zimmerman said. 

MONTHLY RETAIL GROWTH (February 2014 – March 2014 seasonally adjusted)

Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (1.1%), Food retailing (0.5%), Department stores (-0.1%) Household goods retailing (-0.3%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (-0.3%) and Other retailing (-1.1%). Total sales (0.1%).

Tasmania (0.8), New South Wales (0.8%), Queensland (0.2%), Northern Territory (0.1%), Victoria (-0.2%), South Australia (-0.8%), and Australian Capital Territory (-0.8%) Western Australia (-0.9%) and Total sales (0.1%).

YEAR-ON-YEAR RETAIL GROWTH (March 2013 – March 2014 seasonally adjusted)

Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (11.9%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (9.3%),  Household goods retailing (6.4%), Food retailing (4.7%), Other retailing (4.3%) and Department stores (-3.4%). Total sales (5.6%).

New South Wales (13.6%), Tasmania (8.4%), Victoria (6.1%), Northern Territory (5.5%), Queensland (4.9%), South Australia (3.0%), Western Australia (0.5%) and Australian Capital Territory (-0.3%).Total sales (5.6%).

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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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