Retailers are hoping the election of Tony Abbott as Prime Minister and a Coalition Government will bring greater benefits than the previous ruling party.

ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman, said retailers and consumers might finally be able to enjoy some breathing room now that Australia has a majority government.

“As Mr Abbott forms his new Cabinet and implements his election policies, the Coalition needs to put at the forefront of their 100 day action plan the economy and small business,” said Zimmerman.

“Retailers should start feeling a little more positive about the future under the Coalition’s small business policies as they are implemented.

“The Coalition have made commitments to deal with macro economic problems in their first term of Government and have said they will put significant issues under review allowing longer term reform. Major issues which also need to be addressed include:

·         Workplace Relations flexibility and reform

·         Taxation reform including a full review on tax to include the GST allowing the abolition of inefficient taxes including Stamp Duty and Payroll Tax

·         Introduction of the commitments made to reduce red tape.

“The commitment to implement parliamentary sitting days that are fully committed to red tape reduction is music to the ears of struggling retailers. Red tape is an ongoing issue and we await real action being taken that will allow retailers to get on with the job of doing business.

“The ARA would also like to thank the Rudd and Gillard Governments for their support and assistance to the retail sector during  one of its most difficult periods in Australian history,” Zimmerman said.

Meanwhile, newly re-elected independent Adelaide senator, Nick Xenophon, has told The Australian he supports reduced penalty rates for small retail and hospitality businesses.

“Small businesses are particularly vulnerable and there has to be greater flexibility,” Xenophon told the newspaper.

“We need to go back to the Hawke/Keating era which I think was a sensible blend of increasing productivity and increasing real wages with greater flexibility.”