Visit the Business Bogies Here

 
SUPERANNUATION REFORM

Click here to see a presentation on how to communicate with, understand and engage small business owners.NIRA representatives are available to help you and your organisation work with small retailers and small business owners - it isn't that hard - they're just people!

Click here to see a graphic presentation of how governments tend to help rich companies and ignore little businesses.

"In 2003, the firm Civic Economics measured the fiscal impact of a dollar spent at a locally owned bookstore in Austin, Texas, compared to the impact of a dollar spent at a proposed chain bookstore. The firm found that each dollar spent at the chain store would lead to an additional 13 cents being circulated through the community. A dollar spent at a local bookshop, however, had much more of an effect:45 cents of that dollar found its way back into the community. For each dollar spent at the local shop, that's more than three times as much of an impact on the community and its residents. "  This is an extract from an article by Kim Schaffer and Josh Bushey who own Clothesline Organics, an independent eco boutique in south Bethlehem Pennsylvania USA), and are members of the Sustainable Business Network of the Lehigh Valley.

We believe the figures will be similar in all western economies.  Put simply - buying local keeps a community vibrant and healthy.  We do not expect consumers to blindly buy only from local retailers, we do  want governments (especially local governments and planning authorities) to be aware of the impacts of their actions and for local consumers to be able to consider the local options. 

 
Babies include red tape
   
Henry review not that exciting but has some good outcomes for small business
   
Tobacco increases make it easier for the black market and harder for small retailers
   
Easter 2010 a time for big banks to make a motza from small retailers
(Submission includes proposal for portable bank account numbers)
   
Big business will pass on all costs for parental leave to small retailers
   

Small retailers and small business has a big say in the Marginals
(Spreadsheet of top 20 marginal seats)




Telephone: (02) 6161 - 9711

Email: info@nira.com.au

Registered Office

Unit 9 / 14 - 26 Audsley Street,

Clayton South, Victoria 3169

The National Independent Retailers Association was formed in 1953 by State organisations which represented the interests of small food shops  -  notably milk bars and mixed businesses.   Over the years the organisation expanded its membership so as to provide representation to the Federal Government on behalf of independent retailers from all sectors of the industry including independent supermarkets; convenience stores; mixed businesses; general stores and specialist retailers such as electrical, furniture, lottery, clothing, giftware and so on.

Through those affiliations NIRA speaks on Federal issues are something in excess of 15,000 independent retailers.

Over the years NIRA has been active in lobbying Government in areas of Trade Practices law; Tax law and was deeply involved in the educational processes at the introduction of GST and more recently in the promotion of various small business traineeships.

NIRA holds four meetings a year; three of which are in Canberra and one is a national conference which rotates around the states.

All meetings are used to develop policies to protect and advance the interests of small retailers in areas such as:-

Review of the Franchise Code; implementation of WorkChoices; improvements to the Business Migration program; clarifying the definition of independent contractors; merger laws; abuse of market power and unconscionable conduct under the Trade Practices Act and there is a general exchange of information particularly relating to member services offered by State affiliates.

NIRA works closely with the Council of Small Business Organisation of Australia.

NIRA is an incorporated association administered from offices in Mt Waverley, Victoria.

Inc. No. AOO36928E Reg. in Victoria ABN 73 545 959 026


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