Household goods make strong contribution to retail trade figures

The recent release of the September 2015 retail trade figures by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed continued growth in the Household Goods sector, and Footwear and Personal Accessories. As indicated in the graph below, the retail sector grew by 3.9 per cent nationally, with Victoria (4.9 per cent), South Australia (4.4 per cent) and […]

IR Update: “Smart Arse” sacked

An employer has been unable to successfully establish that they dismissed a client analyst as a result of poor performance. Employment of Mr Anderson with BNP was subject to a three month probationary period. Just days prior to his termination, Mr Anderson was confronted by his supervisor in earshot of other employees on 19 March […]

NRA Submission: Post-implementation review of the Fair Work Amendment Act 2013

The NRA recently made a submission to the Department of Employment in relation to the review that the Department is currently conducting into various aspects of the Fair Work Amendment Act 2013. Our submissions addressed various provisions that were incorporated within the Fair Work Act 2009 as a result of this amending legislation which have […]

Message from the CEO: 23rd October 2015

On Monday this week the Federal Government released its response to the Financial System Inquiry.  Of most interest for retailers was a commitment to prohibit merchants from levying credit card surcharges “that are greater than the cost to them of accepting payment by card”. A delegation from the NRA met with the new Treasurer, Scott […]

IR Update: Driver with Asperger’s not discriminated against

In a recent hearing in South Australia, an employer’s decision to refuse permanency to a driver with Asperger’s was deemed unfair and irrational, but not a breach of any anti-discrimination laws. According to the Tribunal, it was fair to consider the potential for future injury and therefore no breach of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 […]