Retailers celebrate Carbon Tax removal – a victory for retailers, consumers and common sense

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) lead the fight on behalf of the retail sector in opposition of the Carbon Tax and now can celebrate with the Government at long last getting its way in the Senate with the abolition of the tax.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the cost impact was not only felt by business but also consumers who were hit with less disposable income as a result of the tax.

“We have given direct evidence to both the former and new Governments over how much this tax impacted retailers.

“Bakeries reported additional costs at over $20,000 per annum, and these are small independent businesses, let alone the costs to supermarkets and even the roll-on effect and general energy costs hitting specialty retail such as clothing and fashion stores.
 
“There is no doubt this boost to retailer’s bottom lines and the pockets of consumers will assist the sector to overcome pressures from excessive costs and be a boost to current low consumer confidence.
 
“On behalf of the ARA I would like to thank our fellow industry groups who have fought this tax from day one, and also thank the new Government for removing a measure which undoubtedly damaged the retail sector,” 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.