Date: March 12, 2015
The National Retail Association (NRA) today welcomed the Federal Government’s moves to establish an Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsmen.
NRA CEO Trevor Evans said the announcement from the Minister for Small Business, the Hon. Bruce Billson MP, is a step in the right direction for the nation’s retailers.
“Hard-working owners or franchisees already face a number of challenges in the current retail space such as inconsistent and difficult leasing agreements as well as higher labour costs, so a protracted or expensive dispute can prove fatal for their business,” Mr Evans said.
“We congratulate the Minister on following through on such an important pre-election commitment that will give smaller operators access to the tools they need to sort out any dispute processes in a timely manner, allowing them to get on with job of doing business.
“The NRA looks forward to working closely with Mr Billson throughout the consultation period to cement the Ombudsman as a powerful asset for the retail sector,” he said.
The NRA is Australia’s largest and most diverse retail industry organisation, and has been representing the interests of the retail, fast food and broader service sector for almost 100 years.
Mr Evans is available for interview. Please contact the NRA’s media unit on 3240 0163 or to arrange a suitable time.