The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) welcomes measures to support tourism in today’s budget, but is disappointed the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) expansion was not catered for.

“Tourism creates jobs and delivers economic prosperity to communities across the state and as one of Victoria’s most significant economic drivers, it is pleasing to see the budget provide for several industry priorities,” says VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

“VTIC and its industry colleagues have championed these causes for some time and congratulate the State Government for making them a priority in the budget.”

Intrastate marketing, regional tourism products and an international aviation attraction were among the tourism-related initiatives to receive funding.

However Ms Smith says VTIC urged the State Government to include expansion of MCEC in its self-described “infrastructure budget”.

“The industry is disappointed that the State Government has not allowed for MCEC’s expansion at a time when infrastructure was a significant focus of the budget,” says Ms Smith.

“An investment in business events is an investment in high yield economic activity, which is vital to boost the soft employment market in tourism and allied industries.

“Should Melbourne continue to lose its grip on the international events and exhibitions market, the economy will suffer and jobs will be lost.”

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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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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone welcomes the State Government’s announced Murray Basin Rail Project and upgrades to country freight rail lines.

"These projects will facilitate the movement of freight around the state and enhance north-western Victoria’s access to the ports of Portland, Geelong and Melbourne for export opportunities," he said.

"This is a positive outcome for the agribusiness sector, including the grain industry, and VECCI has been calling for enhancements to rail on behalf of our members and regional business.

"Strong regional economies are vital to the overall health of our state, and we applaud the State Government for prioritising this initiative in the 2014-15 state budget. 

"VECCI looks forward to the prioritisation of many more infrastructure projects in tomorrow’s budget that will strengthen Victoria’s economic competitiveness."

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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 said the organisation welcomes today’s announcement by the State Government of a cut to the payroll tax rate to 4.85% from 1 July 2014.

"VECCI has consistently called for Governments to do what they can to reduce the cost of doing business and today’s announcement will benefit 39,000 employers and their 1.6 million employees, with a total saving of over $234 million for business over 4 years," he said.

"While ensuring Victoria retains the second lowest payroll tax rate in Australia, this cut to payroll tax also means that Victorian businesses with a payroll of between $4.7 million and $26.7 million will now pay the lowest payroll taxes in Australia.

"With lower costs of doing business delivered by this payroll tax cut, Victorian employers will receive a boost that helps stimulates growth and increases the incentive to employ more people. 

"Combined with the major infrastructure announcements and a strong budgetary position underpinned by the forecast surplus of $1.3 billion, the attraction of doing business in Victoria will be enhanced by this payroll tax cut."

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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), in conjunction with the Yarra City Council, today proudly launched a four episode documentary that promotes support and education services for small businesses.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the series known as Re-Tales follows the stories of four small retail business owners who undertook the Yarra Great Re-Tales Program delivered by the ARA Retail Institute between July and October 2013 – a four month initiative of workshops designed to support and educate local retailers.

“While the retail industry may slowly be on the road to recovery, we know that 44 small businesses close their doors daily in Australia. Education, training and skills development are of the utmost importance and can often be the difference between success and failure for small retailers.
 
"The Re-Tales series hopes to capture the personal growth stories of participants and the realities of running a retail business in today’s competitive market. The entire process was documented on film with the aim to identify a dire need for further education investment in the retail sector.

"It’s a collaborative community approach to learning great skills about business. The educational program that the documentary follows was the first of its kind, and we congratulate the City of Yarra for their ongoing passion and dedication to supporting small business," Mr Zimmerman said.

City of Yarra Mayor, Cr Jackie Fristacky, said Council was delighted to have partnered with the ARA to deliver the Great Yarra Re-Tales program to support local retailers.

"Our shopping strips are energetic hubs of creativity and culture; and they are essential to the economic prosperity of our city. This program has provided practical tools and support to help local retailers succeed and prosper," Cr Fristacky said.

To view the Re-Tales documentary teaser, as well as each of the four episodes, please click here

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 Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) congratulates the competition watchdog the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for its launch of legal proceedings against Coles for its alleged treatment of 200 suppliers.

The ACCC issued proceedings in the Federal Court based on allegations the retail giant engaged in unconscionable conduct under the unconscionable conduct under the Active Retail Collaboration program which Coles established in 2011. The ACCC will argue that the behaviour of Coles breached Australian Consumer Law.

COSBOA Executive Director, Peter Strong today said that the behaviour of large retail companies has been a huge issue for the small businesses of Australia for a very long time.

COSBOA congratulates the ACCC on having the strength to undertake this legal campaign. We acknowledge their decision to take this very important action especially against a company with significant resources.

“This action by the ACCC sends a strong message to the supermarket and retail sectors. It says that regardless of your size you will be held accountable for your actions and the affect this has on businesses everywhere,” said Mr Strong.

In a statement released today, ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said, “The conduct of Coles alleged by the ACCC in these proceedings was capable of causing significant detriment to small suppliers’ businesses. This could have resulted in these businesses becoming less able to plan and less able to innovate in the market, with resulting reduced economic efficiency and consumer detriment."

The statement further explained: “The ACCC is seeking pecuniary penalties, declarations, injunctions and costs."

These proceedings arise from a broader investigation by the ACCC into allegations that supermarket suppliers were being treated inappropriately by the major supermarket chains. That broader investigation is continuing.

"The matter is listed for a directions hearing in Melbourne on 6 June 2014.”

 www.cosboa.org.au

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PEAK retail body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is encouraging retailers to get working on their submissions for the 2014 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards – all submissions must be received by Friday 16 May.

Tickets are 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.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the 2014 ARA Awards are shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before.

“Since it was reinvigorated in 2008, the ARA Awards program has brought 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 range of today’s coveted awards also highlights how far the awards program has come from its humble beginnings in the 1970s – there’s something on offer for everyone including HR practitioners, retail graduates, individual retail professionals and businesses boasting impressive store upgrades and renovations. Of course, we’re also looking forward to seeing who will be named the eftpos Australian Retailer of the Year!

“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 are fortunate enough to have one of Australia’s most inspiring retailers (and past ARA Award winner) present at this year’s event. Derek Dyson, Specsavers Global Retail Director, will deliver the keynote address and it will be a pleasure to have Derek’s extensive experience and insights showcased at the Awards Breakfast.

“We encourage all retailers who have not yet nominated for this year’s ARA Awards to visit www.australianretailawards.com.au and submit their intention to nominate. You have to be in to win!” 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:

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.

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Chief Executive Mark Stone says VECCI welcomes the State Government’s announced $30 million package to support workers in the automotive industry and supply chains impacted by the announced closures of automotive manufacturing operations in Victoria.

This initiative complements the recently announced $155 million in funding by the Federal Government, in conjunction with the State Government, with specific state measures to support affected workers and their communities to reskill and secure meaningful employment in allied industries.

"We are pleased to have been involved in this initiative through the Premier’s roundtable on the transitioning automotive industry, as a skilled workforce is vital to the overall strength of our economy," Mr Stone said.

"We applaud the State Government for prioritising measures to create a smarter Victoria and look forward to the confirmation of funding in the 2014 – 15 state budget."

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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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THE PEAK representative body for Queensland minerals and energy exporters has welcomed the release overnight by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee (WHC) of a draft decision on current and future management of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage property.

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Michael Roche congratulated the Australian and Queensland governments for their work to date in progressing a holistic long-term plan for conservation of the Great Barrier Reef’s outstanding universal values.

"It is of note that despite scaremongering by environmental activists that next month’s World Heritage Committee meeting would declare the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park ‘in danger’, the draft decision welcomes the progress made to date," Mr Roche said.

The WHC also welcomed the release of a Reef Scientific Consensus Statement in 2013 that states:

"Declining marine water quality, influenced by terrestrial runoff, is recognised as one of the most significant threats to the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef. Management of this issue will improve ecosystem resilience to other pressures including those associated with a changing climate."

The Consensus Statement goes on to say that compared with terrestrial runoff, the impacts of ports and shipping are ‘relatively small’.

In relation to future port management along 2,300 kilometres of coastline adjacent to the marine park, Mr Roche said the Cumulative Impact Assessment prepared by Abbot Point coal terminal expansion proponents had created a scientific benchmark to inform government decision-makers.

"The comprehensive approach of detailing and accumulating multiple environmental impacts of port expansions gave the Federal Environment Minister the scientific evidence he needed to approve the proposal with strict conditions," he said.

"The Abbot Point assessment included a study on options for the removal of sediment from the site of the proposed terminal expansion.

"It concluded that underwater relocation in a like environment some 40 kilometres distant from the reef would minimise environmental impacts."

Mr Roche said almost 80 percent of Queensland’s resources and agricultural exports moved through established ports adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and were worth $40 billion in 2011-12.

"Ecologically sustainable development is essential to the well-being of the reef and the Australian economy and what we are seeing in this draft decision is the encouragement of the international community to keep working towards that goal," he said.

However, Mr Roche said he was surprised at the draft decision comments about the work of the Federal and Queensland Governments towards a bilateral agreement on environmental approvals.

"Such a bilateral agreement is about removing unnecessary duplication of processes, but will not in any way result in a lowering of the standard of environmental safeguards," he said.

www.qrc.org.au

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