THE NEW Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, has today announced the completion of the review of opportunities to improve Australian industry involvement in Army’s Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability, LAND 400 Phase 2.

“I am pleased the review undertaken by Deloitte Australia found clear alignment between the LAND 400 Phase 2 tender evaluation process and the policy direction and priorities of the 2016 Defence Industry Policy Statement,” Mr Pyne said.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to maximising Australian industry involvement during the next stage of the evaluation process and Defence will continue to work collaboratively with companies as part of a broader Australian industry program.”

Defence will facilitate workshops around Australia where local industry can showcase their capabilities to the international manufacturers that are leading the bids for the LAND 400 Phase 2 tender.

These activities will result in the development of costed options for differing levels of Australian industry participation in the acquisition and support of LAND 400 Phase 2, including:

• an option that includes Australian-made components;
• an assembled in Australia option; and
• an option for a higher level of Australian manufacturing.

All options will be required to include through-life support in Australia.

The review also identified a range of broader initiatives that Defence could consider applying in other projects and more widely in Australian Defence industry environment to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Defence-industry partnership.

The Executive Summary of the public release version of the Deloitte review is available at http://www.defence.gov.au/casg/EquippingDefence/Land400 with the full public version being available during the first week in August.

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FIGURES from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate that the annual level of inflation in Australia has fallen to just one percent, however, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) says the latest quarterly Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures bring even worse news retailers for food, drinks and apparel.

CPI for food and non-alcoholic beverage dropped to -0.1 percent for the quarter to June 2016, year on year, while clothing and footwear has fallen even further to -0.2.

Russell Zimmerman, ARA Executive Director, said that while there had been an uptick in quarter on quarter CPI for clothing and footwear of two percent, food and non-alcoholic beverages continued its pattern of deflation, falling 0.4 percent on the first quarter of 2016.

“With inflation running well below trend there has been evidence for some time that deflation has been occurring, particularly in the grocery sector,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“With grocery making up close to 50 percent of total retail and indications of stronger competition from international players within other retail segments, we are seeing volumes increase while prices fall.

“While this is a win, for the consumer, Governments at all levels must be conscious of cost pressure on the retail sector and the need to support a more productive retail environment to support the sector’s good health,” he said.

Alcohol and tobacco products showed one of the strongest year on year results of all categories, growing 5.9 percent year on year, while Furnishings, household equipment and services rose by 1.6 percent annually.

“Excise increases are clearly driving alcohol and tobacco prices, despite downward pressure on the real cost of the products,” Said Mr Zimmerman.

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $293 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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JUDGING of the 2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards is underway, with a list of finalists, runners up, and winners to be decided by judges ahead of the August 10 Awards presentation breakfast in Melbourne.

A record number of entries were received by the ARA this year, reflecting the strong culture of innovation, success, and hard work by Australian retailers.

A shortlist for each of the nine categories has been created, with the ARA judging panel, consisting of retail veteran, Peter Wilkinson; NORA CEO, Paul Greenberg; and eftpos’ Warwick Ponder, to decide on the final outcome for each Award.

Russell Zimmerman, ARA Executive Director, said the calibre of entries this year had once again outdone that of previous years, with the Awards growing in size and strength with each event.

“The field of entrants for our 2016 Awards has been nothing short of outstanding,” said Mr Zimmerman.

“The ARA has been hosting these annual Awards since the 1970s, and each year I remain impressed by the growth, development and operational success of retailers in Australia.

“This year’s Awards Breakfast is not to be missed, judging from the talent and skill of our entries, as well as the high quality of our key note speakers and networking opportunities,” he said.

In addition to the winners and runners up presentations, the 2016 Awards breakfast will feature two special guest speakers who have enjoyed their own success in Australian retail. Jeff Allis, Co-Founder of Boost Juice, and Daniel Flynn, Founder of social enterprise company, Thank You, and maker of Thank you branded water, food and bodycare products, will entertain guests and impart some words of wisdom to others looking to emulate their achievements.

“Jeff and Daniel have a high level of experience in the Australian retail industry, and the knowledge and insights they will impart are invaluable,” Mr Zimmerman said.

The eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are the retail industry’s longest running recognition of success, and this year will take place in front of 500 guests at a prestigious breakfast event at the Grand Hyatt, Melbourne on August 10. Tickets to the 2016 Awards Breakfast, can be purchased at http://retail.org.au/2016-retail-awards/

2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards categories include eftpos Retailer of the Year, Shop For Shops Store Fitout of the Year, Temando Multichannel Retailer of the Year, Frontline Recruitment Retail Employer of the Year, Rest Industry Super Retail Employee of the Year, FCB Retail HR Rising Star of the Year, Pronto Software Retail Innovator of the Year, ARA Retail Institute Retail Graduate of the Year, and ARA Independent Retailer of the Year.

2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards Breakfast

When: Thursday 2 July 2015, 7am to 9:45am
Where: Grand Hyatt, 123 Collins St, Melbourne

Tickets & pricing: http://retail.org.au/2016-retail-awards/

ARA members $60/guests $80
ARA members table of 10 $550/guest table of 10 $750.

About the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards

First held in the 1970s, the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are the nation’s longest running and most prestigious retail event, recognising and rewarding outstanding retail businesses, innovations, and individuals across all sectors of retail.

Relaunched in 2008, the Awards culminate in the annual 2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards breakfast at Melbourne’s Grand Hyatt on August 10.
In 2016 there are nine Awards categories, judged by an experienced and distinguished panel of impartial fellow retailers, the 2016 awards event encompasses nine categories including, eftpos Retailer of the Year, Shop For Shops Store Fitout of the Year, Temando Multichannel Retailer of the Year, Frontline Recruitment Retail Employer of the Year, Rest Industry Super Retail Employee of the Year, FCB Retail HR Rising Star of the Year, Pronto Software Retail Innovator of the Year, ARA Retail Institute Retail Graduate of the Year, ARA Independent Retailer of the Year.

To enter the Awards or purchase tickets to the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards Breakfast event, visit http://retail.org.au/2016-retail-awards/

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $293 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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QUEENSLAND businesses are being encouraged to reap the social and financial rewards of embracing diversity in the workplace at the inaugural Queensland Multicultural Month Business Lunch next Friday (August 5).

Sponsored by Commonwealth Bank, the lunch is hosted by the Queensland Minister for Multicultural Affairs Grace Grace and will feature an address by Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman Peter Beattie. Mr Beattie will share his insights on upcoming Commonwealth Games business opportunities and how the event’s culturally diverse workforce will ensure its success.

Latest figures show more than 20% of Queensland’s population was born outside of Australia, creating a diverse and growing potential customer base and workforce for local businesses to target.

Minister Grace said it was time to acknowledge the economic contribution migration and multiculturalism had made to the state.

“The growth and prosperity of our state always has and always will depend on our ability to harness skilled and talented workers from across Queensland, the nation and the world,” she said.

“The positive economic impacts of migration flows through every part of our economy – to population growth, labour participation and employment, skills and productivity.

“As it is Queensland Multicultural Month, it’s an opportune time to recognise the business leaders, entrepreneurs and all industrious Queenslanders who are working hard to make our state great, regardless of where they or their families originally came from.”

What:              Queensland Multicultural Month Business Lunch

Who:               Minister for Multicultural Affairs Grace Grace

                        Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation Chairman Peter Beattie

When:             11.45am for midday start, Friday 5 August 2016

Where:            Pullman Brisbane, King George Square, Brisbane

Tickets:            $30 per person plus GST and booking fee (includes two-course lunch)

Book online at www.qld.gov.au/multiculturalmonth

Queensland Multicultural Month is the state’s largest celebration of our unique diversity and its benefits. From Brisbane to Barcaldine, people will be coming together to perform, share, taste, listen, learn and acknowledge that while we may come from different cultures, we all love living in Queensland. Key themes this year include the Value of Diversity, Arts and Culture, Elders and Storytelling.

Responding to the new revelations of the Panama Papers (https://panamapapers.icij.org), Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Dr Helen Szoke said: 

“The latest Panama Papers revelations expose rampant tax dodging that is allowing multinational companies to avoid paying their dues, particularly how shadow companies are shifting billions in revenue derived from highly lucrative mining and extractives operations across Africa," Dr Szoke said. 

“It is shameful that tax avoidance is preventing this money from being spent on vital services such as schools and hospitals in the world’s poorest continent.

“Today’s release of information shows that the firm Mossack Fonseca helped to establish offshore companies ‘to own, hold or do business with petroleum, natural gas and mining operations in 44 of Africa’s 54 countries.’

“The fresh revelations published today by the International Consortium of Journalists included details of millions of dollars in alleged bribes for oil and gas contracts in Algeria and the widespread use of offshore companies to assist in oil, gas and mining deals.

“These are valuable natural resources – that should be supporting the needs of everyday people, rather than lining the pockets of the rich and powerful.      

"When corporations get away with shirking their responsibility to pay their fair share, spending on essential services that are desperately needed suffers.

“This scandal is contributing to the inequality crisis across Africa.”

Dr Szoke said Oxfam Australia’s recent report, The Hidden Billions, further revealed Australian-based multinational corporations are playing a role in poor nations losing out due to tax dodging practices.

Oxfam’s research revealed nearly $A9billion that could be spent on public services in Australia and poor countries was being hidden by Australian-based multinationals in tax havens.

Dr Szoke said that overwhelming evidence was mounting in support of Oxfam’s call for more transparent tax policies.

“Oxfam is calling on the Federal Government to legislate to ensure that companies disclose their profits and taxes publicly for every country in which they operate," Dr Szoke said. 

“Others, including the US, Canada, and Europe have already made the public reporting of taxes and profits mandatory for high-risk sectors such as mining and banking.”

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BUSINESS sentiment regarding Australia’s economy dropped during one of Australia’s longest-ever federal election campaigns, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s latest Survey of Business Trends and Prospects has revealed.

Many of the 380 Victorian businesses surveyed viewed the federal election campaign as lacking clear leadership and economic vision, and expressed frustration with the major political parties. Several said the prolonged uncertainty of the campaign had softened consumer spending, with one member describing the economy in this period as being “on hold with nobody spending at the moment”.

In the second quarter of 2016, which covered the three months to June 30 and most of the election campaign, business sentiment for the Australian and State economy dropped two percentage points to 20 per cent, meaning just one in five businesses expect stronger economic growth over the next financial year.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Mark Stone said survey responses illustrated the need for policies that support and grow Victorian business.

“The business sentiments recorded in our most recent survey signal an opportunity for both State and Federal Governments to address business concerns and deliver pro-business policies that create jobs and enable growth,” Mr Stone said.

“While business confidence remains fragile, it is encouraging to see signs of optimism in the medium-term forecasts. We hope to see this confidence flourish as the new government gets on with the job of running the country.

“The Victorian Chamber will continue to advocate on behalf of business for policies that support major infrastructure projects in Victoria, boost jobs growth and competitiveness.”

Victoria’s business services sector was the most optimistic about the economic outlook for both state and federal economies over the next year, with a third expecting them to strengthen. Survey respondents from this sector believed the tough trading environment was exacerbated by uncertainty from the federal election campaign, but that the lacklustre performance will not last.

Businesses in the health, education and community services sector said jobs growth is likely to continue, as a lift in export activity is expected.

Regional-based businesses also reported a slightly more optimistic medium-term forecast than their metropolitan counterparts, as they recorded higher export levels and business investment.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

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THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has extended its congratulations to the Hon Michael McCormack MP as the newly appointed minister for small business.

“The IPA looks forward to working with Mr McCormack to ensure the focus on small business is maintained as we all know that small business is the critical sector for Australia’s economic well-being,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“We have long advocated for a strong, dedicated voice for small business within the Ministry. We are pleased that this will be the sole focus of the newly appointed minister.

“We recognise the efforts of the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP and the former small business cabinet minister, the Hon Bruce Billson, and we urge the government to maintain the focus on small business productivity as there is still much to be done. We need to see an acceleration of the momentum created by the former small business ministers.

“Our members live and breathe small business; more than two-thirds working in or with small business on a daily basis so we are well qualified to offer an opinion when it comes to small business.

“In addition, we have extended our partnership with Deakin University to create the IPA-Deakin SME Research Centre, to provide invaluable research to inform government on small business policy issues.

“This builds on the foundation of the first ever Australian Small Business White Paper launched last year.

“We look forward to extending this knowledge base to Minister McCormack to advance policies designed to boost small business productivity including:

Reforming the taxation system

• Simplifying the regulatory environment
• Improving access to affordable finance
• Improving education and skills of the small business sector
• Seizing export opportunities and taking advantage of trade agreements
• Ensuring a level playing field through fair competition laws
• Building an innovation system to support small business growth

For more information refer to the IPA Small Business White Paper at www.publicaccountants.org.au/whitepaper

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THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is urging the new Coalition Government Ministry to make business and the economy a focus of the next three years, despite the removal of the Small Business portfolio from Cabinet.

The ARA Coalition Government on its re-election, but says the challenges for the new Government cannot be ignored. He congratulated all new Ministers on their appointment, particularly new Small Business Minister, Michael McCormack; Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham; Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews, as well as Treasurer Scott Morrison and Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, Kelly O’Dwyer.

Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director of the ARA, said he is pleased to see consistency in Treasury portfolios, with the retention of Mr Morrison and Ms O’Dwyer, however, made note that the ARA is bitterly disappointed to see that the Small Business portfolio has been removed from cabinet.

“Given its important role within the economy, the omission of the Small Business portfolio from one of the largest cabinets in decades does not augur well,” said Mr Zimmerman.

“The exclusion of Small Business at a point when the economy needs business the most, is step backwards,” he said. “We can only hope that Mr McCormack is able to make the voice of Small Business heard.

“We also look forward to developing a close working relationship with Mr Birmingham and Ms Andrews on the further improvement of education and skills in Australia. The retainment of Michaelia Cash as Minister for Employment is also important for the retail industry.

“From the ARA’s perspective, there needs to be a consensus on a productivity agenda that drives growth through real workplace flexibility changes, lowering of the tax base for business to individuals, and pushing State-based reform on business costs such as construction, planning, and tax bases.

With the new Turnbull Ministry now in place the ARA is reminding Ministers of the importance of role the retail sector as Australia’s largest private sector employer with more than 10 percent of the working population employed in the retail industry.

About the Australian Retailers Association

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $293 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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