Merger makes for stronger retail force in Tasmania

Merger makes for stronger retail force in Tasmania
– Retail industry body strengthens voice
Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) today announced it was merging with the Retail Traders Association (RTA) of Tasmania making it the largest and most representative retail body in the state.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the agreement was finalised after a period of negotiation and as of 1 March 2012 the ARA will be providing full member services to RTA Tasmania members.

“The ARA already has strong connections with Tasmania including board members who are local residents and its National Policy Director, Heath Michael, with a background in Tasmanian politics and business. Key members of the RTA Tasmania board will now attend the ARA’s Tasmanian Committee meeting on a regular basis to ensure local retail issues are addressed by the ARA.

“Tasmanian retailers will have access to a broader range of services, information and support including employment relations advice, retail news, education and training, advice and services and retail sector advocacy; just to name a few.

“As one example, ARA members have access to 35 retail- specific industrial relations experts, as well as the online Employment Relations Management System (ERMS) to support them through IR changes and ensure they’re meeting their responsibilities,” Zimmerman said.

RTA Tasmania President Kieron Mills said, “RTA Tasmania is a significant membership organisation with a proud history of representing Tasmanian retailers. Even though we will be formally dissolving RTA Tasmania, we are ensuring our members get the most benefit from being part of a retail association.

“We are also delighted to announce our intention to form the ARA Tasmanian Committee after the dissolution, which will ensure the retail interests of the state are fed directly to the ARA”, Mr Mills said.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said, “As an industry association, the ARA also calls on government support to fund important programs to help retailers deal with legislative changes, regulatory burden and economic change.

“The more members we have, the more representative we can be of the sector as a whole when it comes to advocating for important changes which move the $240 billion industry into a successful future. As the sector responsible for one in ten jobs, it’s vitally important the retail voice is heard.

“For our members, the ARA is like having a whole separate staff working on their behalf to ensure they have the right advice, and we welcome RTA Tasmania members both into the web of support we provide and to form part of the voice of retail as a whole,” Zimmerman said.

For over 100 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia’s $240 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 and with a range of member services including policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA promotes and protects over 5000 independent and national retailers throughout Australia. Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

Australian Retailers Association