Business News Releases

Co-operation to unlock sustained prosperity - QRC

 

Queensland Resources Council has acknowledged passage of the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014 in the Parliament as a foundation for delivering a better system of planning for regional Queensland.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said the Act is the culmination of more than a decade’s work by Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney – both in opposition and in government.

"Jeff Seeney is passionate about maximising opportunities for regional Queensland communities," Mr Roche said.

"As a major driver of economic growth in regional Queensland, the minerals and energy sector welcomes this renewed focus on outcomes in terms of jobs, growth, opportunity and sustainable prosperity."

Mr Roche said that for the first time, Queensland has a system of regional plans focused on cooperation between compatible land uses. 

"While the Act creates new categories of land use priorities, the focus is on delivering practical and productive coexistence.

"The industries we represent see this as an opportunity to enhance their contribution to the government’s economic, social and environmental goals."

Mr Roche said the draft bill had benefited from intensive scrutiny by stakeholders and a multi-party Parliamentary Committee.

"The QRC’s submissions echoed suggestions made from stakeholders as diverse as the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee, the Queensland Law Society and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation.

"Two aspects of this process came through with flying colours – the contribution of the Parliamentary Committee for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning chaired by MP David Gibson – and the Deputy Premier’s willingness to hear the views of all stakeholders," Mr Roche said.

The committee’s 22 recommendations generated 110 amendments to the final Act.

Mr Roche said that in tabling the Bill, the Deputy Premier provided draft regulations for public comment that will give detail to a regional planning vision.

"QRC members will embrace the opportunity to help develop this important step recognising that coexistence is the key to unlocking sustained prosperity for regional Queensland."

www.qrc.org.au

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Fair Work junior wage Union win to devastate youth employment and crush retailers: ARA

 

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has strongly condemned the Fair Work Commission (FWC) junior wage decision which risks the future of Australian retail workers after the FWC today announced that 20 year old employees will now be paid adult rates.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the shock decision was based on no evidence and will kill jobs for youth as well as hinder skills developments. 

"This decision is inconsistent with previous FWC decisions, making it obvious this was a narrow review. Previous FWC decisions have held that major changes like this require expert evidence.

“It is extremely concerning to business in Australia that the only substantial decisions coming out of the 2012 Review resulted in increased conditions for employees and increased costs for employers. 

“The ARA calls on the new government and Employment Minister Abetz to do everything in his power to halt this increase and fight against the already promised claims from the union movement to move on under 20 year old pay rates. 

“The former government should be ashamed at the dishonest approach it took to this case – they provided the FWC with deliberately misleading information and supported a flimsy case when they took the polar opposite approach to the ARA’s application to allow some relief on Sunday penalty rates. 

“This junior wage increase will severely hit retailers financially, as well as change the face of employment for 20 year olds. 

“We know that youth unemployment is at its highest level in 11 years, and with the unions case to remove junior wage rates now successful, young Australians are going to really struggle to find employment and support themselves through their studies. 

“What retailer is going to employ a young Australian without any experience in the industry, when they can employ someone a few years older with more experience for exactly the same wage? This decision will prove detrimental to both employers and employees.

“Retailers and young Australians have been reliant on pay rates to enable retail to bring on low-skilled young staff and increase their skill levels. Young employees will now find it extremely difficult to find vital training and development opportunities.

“The industry has already been hit with increases to Sunday wages as we transition to 100 percent on Sundays and 50 percent on Saturdays, and if the adult rate is taken down to 18 and 19 year olds then we will see an even larger percentage of youth unemployed.

“The inflexibility in wage costs has already forced some retailers to become unviable or not open on peak trading days such as Sunday.

“Weaker labour market conditions also argue for moderation in the Annual Minimum Wage Review, particularly against the backdrop of a record low youth participation rate and an almost three percent contraction in youth employment in the past year. Young people are done a disservice if our system of wage regulation locks them out of employment opportunities.

“The retail sector is struggling, and although the industry is just starting to show signs of improvement in terms of retail employment, this is certainly a blow to employment confidence,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Visit http://www.fwc.gov.au/decisionssigned/html/2014FWCFB1846.htm to view the decision

s $258 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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Government must remove tax burdens to allow Australian retailers to lead jobs growth

 

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) welcomed the latest Ernst and Young report which confirmed Government employment data and highlighted the fact that the retail sector will lead jobs growth through to 2020. 

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the Ernst and Young report also indicated that if the Government doesn’t remove obstructions such as Low Value Threshold (LVT) GST in relation to goods under $1000, this predicted jobs growth and overall jobs growth in the economy will be put at risk.. 

“There are several significant cost factors that have blocked jobs growth in recent years. Clearly, as indicated in this report, overseas businesses are getting away with paying no tax while Australian retailers must pay tax – and this is costing us Australian jobs. This significant cost to employment will continue unless urgently addressed. 

“The ARA represents both large and small independent retailers, including Australian online retailers, and our members see the impacts of overseas businesses avoiding taxes every day.

"Ernst and Young estimates more than 93,000 jobs have already been foregone to the growth of online retailing, and by 2020, more than 142,000 traditional retail jobs will have been lost. It is time to act to ensure these jobs can be transitioned within Australia.

“Australia can also not afford the $6 billion in lost GST revenue to the states between now and 2020 as a result of the LVT staying at $1000. A loss of $6 billion in GST revenue to fund our much needed community and emergency services is simply unacceptable. 

“The Ernst and Young report also shows some 87,990 jobs being generated over the next four years. 

"In states such as Victoria where there have been significant manufacturing job losses, we know firsthand that retailers are creating many valuable jobs such as support roles in the retail sector to make up for the employment slack. 

“The ARA continues to meet with the Federal Government and State Treasurers on reducing the LVT GST and is seeking meetings with new State Treasurers including the new Western Australian Treasurer to finalise its reduction. 

“Based on the Ernst and Young forecasts, when the LVT GST is abolished, between $10 billion and $16.8 billion will move back to Australian online and traditional retailers from overseas businesses. This is simply too important to ignore,” Mr Zimmerman said. 

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman is a key note speaker at next week’s red tape reduction forum in Canberra.

As additional measures to help the retail sector, Mr Zimmerman will be advocating the need to remove red tape, address market dominance issues through efficient delivery and competition policy along with the need to have sensible workplace penalty rates put in place through the Fair Work Commission process.

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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Phillip Island investment a win for Victoria, says tourism industry council

VICTORIA's announcement of $1.2 million in funding for the upgrade of the Nobbies Centre at Phillip Island.
 
“VTIC welcomes the State Government making tourism a priority and encourages further government investment in tourism infrastructure right across the state,” says Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Chief Executive, Dianne Smith, who was at the launch today.
 
“It’s vital that our iconic tourism experiences are regularly refreshed. Rejuvenation of the Nobbies Centre and better activation of the surrounding boat tours will reinforce Phillip Island as one of Victoria's nature-based tourism jewels.”
 
This government funding underpins additional investment of a combined $3 million contributed by local tour operator, Wildlife Coast Cruises, and Phillip Island Nature Parks.
 
“We applaud the State Government and the private sector for working together for the benefit of visitors and the regional economy,” says Ms Smith.
 
Phillip Island relies hugely on the tourism industry, as it contributed $619 million to the economy (39 per cent of gross regional product) and employed approximately 5,000 people (33.5 per cent of regional employment) in 2011-12.
 
Phillip Island Nature Park is the biggest employer on the island.
 
Phillip Island is a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors to Victoria. The nature-based product (including the renowned penguin parade) is particularly popular with international visitors including those from China, which is one of the fastest growing tourism markets for Victoria.

www.vtic.com.au

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Station Precinct Engagement Program a win for local communities and our economy - VECCI

 

COMMENT on the Station Precinct Engagement Program by the Victorian Government by VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone:
 
- VECCI supports the State Government’s enabling of under-utilised government land to be used more effectively to benefit local communities and the Victorian economy. 

- The resulting mix of housing, retail, commercial and public space from this initiative provides new opportunities for local communities, and Victoria will benefit from the estimated $1 billion in direct investment. 

- The expectation that the project will create more than 3,000 direct project delivery jobs, 5,000 indirect jobs through construction and 800 full-time jobs after completion is welcomed.   

- It’s very important proceeds from this release are recycled and invested in new infrastructure projects that help drive productivity and business activity and support Victoria’s liveability. 

- VECCI urges the State Government to continue exploring innovative ways of funding new infrastructure.

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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Int'l opportunities vital for Victoria’s continued economic growth

 

 

VICTORIA could achieve significant job creation and sustained economic growth from aviation, healthcare and international events if the areas are prioritised in the upcoming state budget, according to the state's peak employer body.
 
“Building Victoria’s international competitiveness must be a priority of the budget, so industries with demonstrated growth potential can take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Asian century,” says VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone.
 
Mr Stone said exciting new R&D capabilities are being progressed in areas like carbon fibre and advanced materials. So too are many Victorian companies leveraging their expertise in primary production, food processing, logistics, branding and investment to help position the state as a food bowl to Asia.

“Healthcare is another good example of where our excellence in research, technology, human resources, products and services could be exported to service Asia’s growing demand for this industry,” says Mr Stone.
 
He said the government’s international engagement strategy is strongly supported by VECCI and the government should use the 2014-15 budget to accelerate and expand this effort, continuing to partner with industry to strengthen Victoria’s trade and investment presence in priority markets.
 
Mr Stone’s comments follow the release of the VECCI 2014-15 State Budget Submission: Accelerating Growth and Building Business Success.
 
Priority VECCI recommendations for building international competitiveness:
 
- Conduct a VCEC inquiry into the potential for increasing exports of Victoria’s healthcare services, including training, medical R&D and ICT healthcare management.   

- Establish an Aviation Industry Strategy that leverages off our aviation education, training, R&D commercialisation and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.    

- Prioritise funding for the expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (ensuring project completion by 2017) and attract more business events aligned to Victoria’s priority sectors (medicine, science, technology, engineering and education). 

- Host a biennial International Victoria Expo that brings exporters, relevant trade service providers, universities, international students, and chamber and consular representatives together to link Victoria’s international trade capabilities with potential partners or service providers. 

These priorities must be enacted in conjunction with a range of other recommendations to make Victoria a more competitive place to do business. VECCI also recommends raising the payroll tax threshold from $550,000 to $850,000, or alternatively reducing the payroll tax rate from 4.90 per cent to 4.70 per cent.
 
Mr Stone said new infrastructure has a vital role to play in helping business get its products and services to markets at home and abroad on time, and at low cost. 

“This is why the 2014-15 budget must not only reinforce the government’s intention to deliver Stage 1 of the East West Link, but also progress delivery of Stage 2, ensuring a future port and Western Ring Road connection,” says Mr Stone.
 
“The priority for government must be to help business succeed by making Victoria more competitive, leveraging more from our human resources to create a smarter state, ensuring we are truly international in our focus and activities, and ultimately creating a more liveable state.”
 
Read VECCI’s full budget submission at:
http://www.vecci.org.au/policy-and-advocacy/state-budget-summary

www.vecci.org.au

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Federal Government’s red tape cuts a win for Victorian business

THE Federal Government's announcement of cuts to red tape is a vital step towards making Victoria a better place to do business, says the state's peak employer body.
 
“We applaud the Government’s commitment to remove poorly designed, out-dated, overly prescriptive regulations that add to business costs,” says VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone.
 
“Regulations cost the state economy an estimated $3.3 billion annually, so we need ongoing reform across all levels of government,” says Mr Stone.
 
Mr Stone’s comments follow the introduction of the Federal Government's Omnibus Red Tape Repeal Bill to parliament today as part of its plan to abolish more than 1000 acts and almost 10,000 regulations and cut red and green tape by $1 billion a year.
 
VECCI has been a consistent advocate of the need to reduce the red tape burden on Victorian business and in particular, small business.
 
“We are delighted that the Government has adopted our proposals that business be relieved of the burden of administering the paid parental leave scheme and superannuation payments. These were a key part of our “Too Big to Ignore” campaign for small business in the lead-up to the 2013 election,” says Mr Stone.
 
“We commend the Federal Government on this action and encourage both state and federal governments to press-on with their reform agendas to ensure Victoria remains competitive.”

www.vecci.org.au

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Peak business body applauds passing of “move-on” laws

VECCI welcomes the Victorian Parliament’s passing of legislation to expand police powers to “move-on” people engaging in illegal picket line and protest activities, as it will protect the fundamental rights of business.
 
“The right to freely enter one’s premises is a fundamental right. People should be able to go about their business and earn a living without others preventing them from doing so or making them fear for their safety,” says VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone.
 
“VECCI has been a strong and consistent advocate of the need for this legislation and we applaud the Government for securing passage through parliament,” says Mr Stone.
 
The legislation grants Victoria Police the power to issue move-on orders where a person is:
- impeding lawful access to a business premises; or
- obstructing others or traffic; or
- causing a reasonable fear of violence. 

“It is fundamental that clients, customers and suppliers are able to freely enter and exit business premises and that private property is protected,” says Mr Stone.
 
“A number of Victorian businesses have been subjected to illegal picket line activities and protests in recent years including the CBD blockade of Grocon’s Myer Emporium project. More recently, traffic has been affected by the East-West link protesters.
 
“There is no place for a vocal minority who do not respect the rights of others to engage in lawful work and business activity, so we welcome this action to ensure the rights of businesses are protected and that major projects are able to proceed.”

www.vecci.org.au

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ARA to recognise retail’s finest at 2014 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is calling on Australian retailers to prepare and submit their nominations for the 2014 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards.
 
This year, the ARA Australian Retail Awards are proudly supported by eftpos as the events major sponsor. 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.
 
The eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are now officially open across eleven categories and designed to celebrate success across the entire retail sector.
                 
ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said it was an exciting period for the retail industry and there were countless stories of retailers achieving growth and excellence during challenging times - all of which needed to be told and celebrated.

“The eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are becoming something of an icon, capturing stories of retailers who are thriving and growing during tough economic times. The 2014 Awards are shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before, and we look forward to recognising those retailers that are leading and reinventing the retail industry,” Mr Zimmerman said.

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
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 and the Victorian Government Victorian Retailer of the Year.
 
The ARA is also introducing one new award this year: Shop for Shops Australian Retail Store Upgrade of the Year.

Shop for Shops Director Luke Martin said Shop for Shops is proud and excited to be involved with this year’s awards.

“The inaugural Shop for Shops Australian Retail Store Upgrade of the Year award recognises those retailers who have succeeded in improving their stores and ultimately their customers in-store experience. While online retailing is a large part of today’s retail industry, nothing can ever truly replace the physical shopping experience – making store renovation, visual merchandising and aesthetic layout extremely important concepts for retailers to master,” Mr Martin said.

Visit 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. for more information.

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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Federal Opposition must support $48m red tape reduction - ARA

 

including the Paid Parental Leave Amendment Bill 2014 which was re-introduced today.
 
ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said it is now more important than ever for the Federal Opposition to also support business and back the abolition of the ‘pay-clerk’ burden from the paid parental leave scheme along with other reductions in compliance burden.
 
“Red tape and over compliance are major issues for business owners. The Federal Government is trying to remove this burden from all businesses but the Opposition is yet to show their support - which comes at a severe cost to business.
 
“The current system is overly complex and burdens business with having to carry the costs of changing their payroll systems and the additional paperwork. We are calling on all parties to put politics to one side and focus on making life a little easier for business owners, in turn helping business and the economy to grow and increasing employment opportunities.
 
“Under the Federal Government’s plan to remove the ‘pay-clerk’ burden, businesses of all sizes would be relieved of the red-tape burden of acting as the ‘pay-clerk’ for the paid parental leave scheme unless the employer and employee both ‘opt in’ to having the employer administer payments.
 
“The ARA believes the Abbott Government’s intention to return the administrative burden back to the government is the right approach. We encourage the Opposition to stop playing politics on this issue and provide the support required for retailers to get on with the job of doing business,” 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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ARA congratulates retail winners of Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association today congratulated all winners of the Roy Morgan annual Customer Satisfaction Awards held last night in Melbourne, including many retailers and ARA members.

Retailers took out awards in the following categories: Clothing Store of the Year – Sussan; Coffee Shop of the Year – Michel’s Patisserie; Department Store of the Year – Myer; Discount Department Store of the Year – Harris Scarfe; Discount Variety Store of the Year – The Reject Shop; Furniture/Electrical Store of the Year – The Good Guys; Hardware Store of the Year – Home Timber & Hardware; Music/Book Store of the Year – JB Hi-Fi; Service Station of the Year – 7-Eleven; Shoe Store of the Year – Williams.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said all of the above winners, as well as winners from other industries that were recognised at last night’s awards ceremony, are to be congratulated for their commitment to providing customers with outstanding service and the best retail experience they possibly can.

“The ability to provide a seamless customer experience in store which complements an overall multichannel retail strategy is the way forward for the sector.

“The ARA places a high value on its relationship with Roy Morgan and the retail industry research and insight we can together offer to our members looking to grow and diversify their operations to remain relevant to a modern shopping economy.

“Award programs such as the Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards and the upcoming ARA Australian Retail Awards play a hand in helping growing businesses achieve success, as well as provide valuable opportunities for hard working retailers to be recognised by their peers,” 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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