ARA calls for a competitive corporate tax rate to sustain growth and drive prosperity in Australian retail industry

 

Melbourne, Australia, 2018-Feb-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — As Australia’s leading peak body for the retail industry, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is calling for a competitive corporate tax rate to sustain growth and drive prosperity for the country’s $310 billion sector.

Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director of the ARA, said the ARA works hard to advocate and support employers and employees working in the sector as the Australian retail industry employs 10% of the working population.

“The current trading environment has seen many retailers doing it tough, with last year’s retail trade figures averaging a 2.76% year-on-year growth, and retail trade growth down more than 1% on the 50 year average in 2017, the Government needs to intervene and offer some relief to the struggling industry,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“At 30%, Australia has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the advanced economic world, making it difficult for retailers to invest in jobs growth and increased wages that would benefit the economy.”

The ARA insists the present corporate tax rate currently discourages international and Australian businesses from investing in Australia and calls on all sides of politics to drive investment and accept the economic benefits tax cuts will create.

“The current corporate tax rate discourages international and Australian businesses from investing in Australia and providing further job opportunities, as many Australian and offshore businesses choose to invest in, and headquarters overseas,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“The Senate needs to cooperate with the Government’s plan to lower the corporate tax rate below 25% so local retailers are able to invest in their businesses and grow the Australian economy.”

Retailers have told the ARA that balancing rising cost pressures with low sales growth and a high-tax environment, it is becoming increasingly difficult with some retailers even struggling to pay their rent.

“As retailers are already struggling in a volatile trading environment, the ARA will continue to advocate for a reduced company tax rate before it stifles future employment and growth,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“The Australian retail industry currently employs more than 1.2 million people. If the corporate tax rate is not reduced to be more in line with our international counterparts, employees and the underemployed will be the ones who suffer, as employees are the heart and soul of retail.”

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. As Australia’s leading retail peak body industry, the ARA is a strong pro-active advocate for Australian retail and works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

For interview opportunities with ARA Spokesperson call the ARA Media Line on 0439 612 556, or email media@retail.org.au 

Source: ARA

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