The National Retail Association (NRA) is calling for the Federal Government to level the playing field for Australian retailers by charging GST on imported goods bought over the internet ahead of next month’s Federal Budget.

NRA CEO, Trevor Evans, says thousands of jobs in retail are at stake and the budget is the real last opportunity to give some support to the sector.

“Australian retailers aren’t asking for special treatment or a handout. Quite the opposite. All they want is to level the playing field with their international counterparts,” Evans says.

“For every dollar that is spent overseas by companies that don’t charge the GST, that’s one dollar that doesn’t go to employing an Australian.

“The current system effectively supports overseas companies and discriminates against Australians.

“The Treasurer knows Australian retailers are doing it tough. The dollar is making it hard to compete with overseas companies. The added blow of tax-free imports is really hurting and will get worse. “We hope he has read our submission and takes the opportunity to support Australian retailers in the budget. They shouldn’t have to go through another year with the system stacked against them,” he says.

The NRA budget submission calls on the Federal Government to charge GST on all physical parcels over a value of $20. To view the NRA’s 2013-14 Federal Budget submission click here.