The Working Holiday visa program in Australia is a great way for young people aged between 18 and 30 to visit Australia and earn some money while they’re here. It’s quick, easy and cheap to apply for if you’re from one of the countries party to an agreement with Australia. So why does the 417 […]
In a recent case regarding a human resource manager, manager and a long-serving employee, the Fair Work Commission has found that a better briefing to a manager should have occurred before he dismissed an employee during a meeting. The employee had been working for K&S Freighters Pty Ltd for over 30 years without blemish. The […]
Consumer Affairs Australian and New Zealand is conducting a review of the Australian Consumer Law. An Issues Paper relating to this review has been released, which can be viewed here. Feedback is being sought on the following topics: 1. Consumer policy in Australia;2. The legal framework;3. Administration and enforcement; and4. Emerging consumer policy issues. The […]
State and territory governments recently reached agreement to reform Australia’s current country of origin food labelling system. Whilst not imposing an overly onerous burden on businesses, the new food labelling system will provide Australian consumers with more clarity on whether the product/s they are purchasing are made, produced or grown in Australia. The new system […]
You may have seen some media reporting this week about the upcoming Annual Wage Review of minimum wages, and the National Retail Association’s position leading the discussion on behalf of retailers. I’d like to share with you some of the thinking that informs our submission on this issue each year. As a knee-jerk reaction, it […]
Commissioner Julius Roe ordered PQ Australia to compensate a bullied employee $43,900 for forcing him to resign. The FWC found the employee, was unfairly dismissed before being forced to resign for failing to attend an unnecessary medical appointment to be assessed by the company’s nominated doctor. The employee had previously raised concerns about multiple bullying […]
“Sustainable Procurement aims to reduce the adverse environmental, social and economic impacts of purchased products and services throughout their life” Increasingly, government and private enterprises are incorporating sustainable procurement policies into their corporate governance. Consumers, shareholders and all stakeholders are more aware of the conditions under which goods and services are produced and the long […]
We asked this question when we recently visited fashion retailer, Mimco’s, flagship boutique on Pitt Street, Sydney. Upon entering the store, you are greeted by a 360 degree projection ring with seamless inspirational content running above the merchandise throughout. The focal point of the digital activities instore is the interactive touch table. The table (similar […]
How many times have you heard the term ‘integrated marketing’? I know I would need more than my fingers and toes to keep count! However, how many of us are actually doing it, and doing it well? In this epic guide to integrated marketing we give you a step-by-step guide to developing and implementing an […]
Over 100 executive positions have been listed on Inside Retail’s recently launched jobs board. Since launching in late January, the jobs board already features a host of senior positions, and is expected to be the hub for the executive retail community. Inside Retail now also has a dedicated section on both its Newsletter and Website […]
Australian Consumer Law (ACL) dictates that businesses operating in Australia must ensure the consumer products that they sell meet mandatory safety standards, are fit for their intended purpose and safe. One way of determining this is for products to be tested to show they meet the necessary standards. If a product fails any of these […]
The National Retail Association congratulates Kate Carnell on her appointment to the position of Australian Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO). The ASBFEO will work closely with industry associations, small business and family enterprise and will be a: concierge for dispute resolution and mediation services for businesses, including franchises; contributor to the development of […]
As a result of the Harper Review into competition policy, the Federal Government announced that it will legislate to amend Section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act – the misuse of market power provision. The Harper Review found that Australia’s current misuse of market power provision is not reliably enforceable and permits anti-competitive conduct. […]
Much has been made of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ figures showing the nation’s unemployment rate fell from 6 to 5.8 per cent in February (released Thursday), but the unemployment rate doesn’t specifically tend to affect retailers, the number of job vacancies is far more significant, because labour demand has a profound effect on cash […]
Australia’s love affair with digital is continuously growing and the sky really is the limit for where we can take it. According to the NAB, online retail sales saw a jump of 10% in 2015. However, even globally, online sales only represent 8% of the total. There is so much potential here and absolutely no […]
Is digital technology in our shops more about the sizzle than the substance? Is investment in digital technology really about the brand statement than the actual facilitation of the higher sales and margin improvement? Retailers up and down our high streets are investing more than ever before in their digital retail offer, but do they […]
Dancing CEOs is shaping up to be the most highly anticipated event on the 2016 Fundraising Calendar. To help raise money for the prevention of domestic violence, 12 brave CEOs will swap their suits for sequins on April 15 in a hotly contested dance-off at Brisbane City Hall. All 640 seats in the main auditorium […]
The Environment Protection Authority of Victoria (EPA) is seeking feedback on noise regulations and how these regulations may impact businesses. We invite members to participate in the EPA survey about the use of its industrial and commercial noise policy and guidelines and how these affect their business. The online survey takes approximately 25 minute to […]
The Retail and Commercial Leasing Guide was recently released by the South Australian Office of the Small Business Commissioner. The Guide has been prepared to assist current and prospective tenant deal with some main elements of the Retail and Commercial Leases Act, namely: Lease terms Rent Lease assignment Condition of the premises Relocation Demolition The […]
This week, we’ve seen suggestions in the media that recent high-profile collapses like Dick Smith, Masters and Laura Ashley signal that the retail industry is entering a period of ‘doom and gloom’. Negative commentary never helps consumer confidence and retail spending. The National Retail Association has been working hard to point out that retail is […]