PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said Victorians will benefit from the estimated operating surplus of $1.3 billion following the announcement of the 2014-15 Victorian State Budget today.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the ARA is pleased to see the Victorian Government’s commitment to delivering state-shaping infrastructure (with major infrastructure spend which will assist retail supply chains and consumers) as well as cuts in Payroll Tax.

“With cuts in Payroll Tax for around 39,000 businesses and Australia’s lowest Payroll Tax between $4.7 million and $26.7 million payrolls, along with a strong infrastructure spend and surplus, Victoria remains the envy of other states.

“The ARA also supports moves to make public transport more affordable. It is great to see commuters being able to travel in Zones 1 and 2 for the price of a Zone 1 fare, as well as free tram travel within the CBD and Docklands, which will no doubt encourage shoppers to visit Melbourne CBD and other established retail precincts.

"The ARA commends the Victorian Government as an effective economic manager of Australia and congratulates their drive to lower business costs.

“Retailers will benefit from the Government continuing to reduce red tape and regulation, as well as opposing measures that will increase costs for Victorian small businesses.

“Any boost in infrastructure will see increased employment opportunities, and from a retailer’s standpoint, hopefully result in increased retail sales.

“The airport rail link project will also continue to grow travel to the State’s capital and maintain Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s retail and fashion capital. The $8.5 - $11 billion rail link under the CBD and connecting to the airport is a significant step in future proofing Victoria.

“The Government’s commitments outlined today are certainly a good sign for Victorian retailers’ logistics, business costs and customers,” 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.

ends

THE Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) congratulates the competition watchdog the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for its launch of legal proceedings against Coles for its alleged treatment of 200 suppliers.

The ACCC issued proceedings in the Federal Court based on allegations the retail giant engaged in unconscionable conduct under the unconscionable conduct under the Active Retail Collaboration program which Coles established in 2011. The ACCC will argue that the behaviour of Coles breached Australian Consumer Law.

COSBOA Executive Director, Peter Strong today said that the behaviour of large retail companies has been a huge issue for the small businesses of Australia for a very long time.

COSBOA congratulates the ACCC on having the strength to undertake this legal campaign. We acknowledge their decision to take this very important action especially against a company with significant resources.

“This action by the ACCC sends a strong message to the supermarket and retail sectors. It says that regardless of your size you will be held accountable for your actions and the affect this has on businesses everywhere,” said Mr Strong.

In a statement released today, ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said, “The conduct of Coles alleged by the ACCC in these proceedings was capable of causing significant detriment to small suppliers’ businesses. This could have resulted in these businesses becoming less able to plan and less able to innovate in the market, with resulting reduced economic efficiency and consumer detriment."

The statement further explained: “The ACCC is seeking pecuniary penalties, declarations, injunctions and costs."

These proceedings arise from a broader investigation by the ACCC into allegations that supermarket suppliers were being treated inappropriately by the major supermarket chains. That broader investigation is continuing.

"The matter is listed for a directions hearing in Melbourne on 6 June 2014.”

 www.cosboa.org.au

ends

Chief Executive Mark Stone says VECCI welcomes the strong infrastructure focus of the budget that will create jobs and support the Victorian economy to grow.

"The budget provides important funding for East West Link Stage 2 as well as funding to progress the Melbourne Rail Link project, both of which will create jobs and are key to enhancing the capacity of Melbourne’s transport system," Mr Stone said.

"Employers will welcome the reduction in the payroll tax rate which keeps Victoria’s taxes competitive against other states and reduces the cost of doing business.

"In delivering these measures, the budget remains fiscally responsible with projected budget operating surpluses averaging $3 billion per year over the forward estimates period. Net debt is predicted to fall, which will ensure Victoria retains its AAA rating as a stable and low risk destination for new investment.

"Also positive is additional funding to: attract major business events, support tourism marketing, and advance the ‘Food Into Asia’ action plan.

"It is a budget that will build on Victoria’s relatively strong financial position, progress important infrastructure projects and provide tax relief for business.

*

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

ends

Chief Executive Mark Stone says VECCI welcomes the State Government’s announced $30 million package to support workers in the automotive industry and supply chains impacted by the announced closures of automotive manufacturing operations in Victoria.

This initiative complements the recently announced $155 million in funding by the Federal Government, in conjunction with the State Government, with specific state measures to support affected workers and their communities to reskill and secure meaningful employment in allied industries.

"We are pleased to have been involved in this initiative through the Premier’s roundtable on the transitioning automotive industry, as a skilled workforce is vital to the overall strength of our economy," Mr Stone said.

"We applaud the State Government for prioritising measures to create a smarter Victoria and look forward to the confirmation of funding in the 2014 – 15 state budget."

*

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

ends

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) welcomes measures to support tourism in today’s budget, but is disappointed the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) expansion was not catered for.

“Tourism creates jobs and delivers economic prosperity to communities across the state and as one of Victoria’s most significant economic drivers, it is pleasing to see the budget provide for several industry priorities,” says VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

“VTIC and its industry colleagues have championed these causes for some time and congratulate the State Government for making them a priority in the budget.”

Intrastate marketing, regional tourism products and an international aviation attraction were among the tourism-related initiatives to receive funding.

However Ms Smith says VTIC urged the State Government to include expansion of MCEC in its self-described “infrastructure budget”.

“The industry is disappointed that the State Government has not allowed for MCEC’s expansion at a time when infrastructure was a significant focus of the budget,” says Ms Smith.

“An investment in business events is an investment in high yield economic activity, which is vital to boost the soft employment market in tourism and allied industries.

“Should Melbourne continue to lose its grip on the international events and exhibitions market, the economy will suffer and jobs will be lost.”

*

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events industry, providing one united industry voice.

Tourism and events are growth industries for Victoria and contribute $19.1 billion to the state economy each year and employ more than 201,000 people.

www.vtic.com.au

ends

VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone welcomes the State Government’s announced Murray Basin Rail Project and upgrades to country freight rail lines.

"These projects will facilitate the movement of freight around the state and enhance north-western Victoria’s access to the ports of Portland, Geelong and Melbourne for export opportunities," he said.

"This is a positive outcome for the agribusiness sector, including the grain industry, and VECCI has been calling for enhancements to rail on behalf of our members and regional business.

"Strong regional economies are vital to the overall health of our state, and we applaud the State Government for prioritising this initiative in the 2014-15 state budget. 

"VECCI looks forward to the prioritisation of many more infrastructure projects in tomorrow’s budget that will strengthen Victoria’s economic competitiveness."

*

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

ends

VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone said the organisation welcomes today’s announcement by the State Government of a cut to the payroll tax rate to 4.85% from 1 July 2014.

"VECCI has consistently called for Governments to do what they can to reduce the cost of doing business and today’s announcement will benefit 39,000 employers and their 1.6 million employees, with a total saving of over $234 million for business over 4 years," he said.

"While ensuring Victoria retains the second lowest payroll tax rate in Australia, this cut to payroll tax also means that Victorian businesses with a payroll of between $4.7 million and $26.7 million will now pay the lowest payroll taxes in Australia.

"With lower costs of doing business delivered by this payroll tax cut, Victorian employers will receive a boost that helps stimulates growth and increases the incentive to employ more people. 

"Combined with the major infrastructure announcements and a strong budgetary position underpinned by the forecast surplus of $1.3 billion, the attraction of doing business in Victoria will be enhanced by this payroll tax cut."

*

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

ends

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), in conjunction with the Yarra City Council, today proudly launched a four episode documentary that promotes support and education services for small businesses.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the series known as Re-Tales follows the stories of four small retail business owners who undertook the Yarra Great Re-Tales Program delivered by the ARA Retail Institute between July and October 2013 – a four month initiative of workshops designed to support and educate local retailers.

“While the retail industry may slowly be on the road to recovery, we know that 44 small businesses close their doors daily in Australia. Education, training and skills development are of the utmost importance and can often be the difference between success and failure for small retailers.
 
"The Re-Tales series hopes to capture the personal growth stories of participants and the realities of running a retail business in today’s competitive market. The entire process was documented on film with the aim to identify a dire need for further education investment in the retail sector.

"It’s a collaborative community approach to learning great skills about business. The educational program that the documentary follows was the first of its kind, and we congratulate the City of Yarra for their ongoing passion and dedication to supporting small business," Mr Zimmerman said.

City of Yarra Mayor, Cr Jackie Fristacky, said Council was delighted to have partnered with the ARA to deliver the Great Yarra Re-Tales program to support local retailers.

"Our shopping strips are energetic hubs of creativity and culture; and they are essential to the economic prosperity of our city. This program has provided practical tools and support to help local retailers succeed and prosper," Cr Fristacky said.

To view the Re-Tales documentary teaser, as well as each of the four episodes, please click here

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.

ends