submission57-retailcycletradersaustralia-economic（11页）.docVIP

Submission by the Retail Cycle Traders Australiato the Inquiry into the Economic Structure and Performance of the Australian Retail Industry 1.0 Summary 1.1 Principles As proprietors of retail bicycle shops, RCTA members are well versed in dealing with competitive pressures and changing environments. Essentially, all we ask is to start on equal terms with the shop ‘down the road’ and we will take responsibility for flourishing or failing. With globalisation, ‘down the road’ can be on the other side of the world. We can and we will compete effectively, but we need our Government to stop giving ‘free kicks’ to our competitors and imposing burdens on us which our competitors do not face. We also want our loyal customers not to face an impost of 15 to 20% when they are supporting us, as they are paying their fair share of tax. We want bicycle riding consumers across Australia to know that whatever they buy, however they buy it, and from whomever, it will meet standards set by Australian authorities. This is not just about the GST, it is about a system that is inconsistent, inequitable and can easily be circumvented. It is about jobs, and it is about economic benefits to the country as a whole. It is about equal access to products from all ranges and groups in our society; for online shoppers and for those who either cannot or choose not to shop online. 1.2 Recommendations The RCTA therefore recommends the following actions to help create better and fairer conditions for the bicycle retailers and consumers of Australia. Removal of the low value importation threshold Enforcement of Australian Standards, on products sold and distributed into the Australian consumer market, regardless of the point of origin Branding of domestic e-tailers as ‘Australian’ Transition funding and education for domestic retailers to better engage in the digital economy 2.0 Introduction The specialist bicycle retailer is struggling against the tide of imports,