Australia’s Federal Government plans to meet with industry experts, unions, and business leaders to generate ideas for increasing economic growth.
In his first National Press Club address since being re-elected, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the event's purpose was to discuss specific issues that must be addressed.
"What we want is a focused dialogue and constructive debate that leads to concrete and tangible actions,” Albanese said.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will lead the discussion. The Australian Retailers Association and the National Retail Association have strongly supported this initiative.
Australian Retail Council CEO Chris Rodwell said the discussion would be especially relevant for the retail sector.
“In retail, competition has never been so fierce,” Rodwell said.
“Disruptive, ultra-low cost operators, such as Temu and Shein, are growing at pace in this market, operating outside the legal commitments of local homegrown retailers in areas such as tax, employment and sustainability.”
Rodwell explained that the increasing amount of regulation retailers are forced to navigate was a critical issue that must be addressed.
“In the face of this disruption, Australia’s inclination has been to add to regulation, not to repeal it,” he said.
“Sadly, we have climbed a summit of ‘peak’ regulation and firmly planted an Australian flag on it. Regrettably, Australians see the cost at the checkout.”
In September 2022, the government hosted a similar event – the Jobs and Skills Summit.
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