Retailers have welcomed a review by the Queensland government into the Retail Shop Leases Act.

On Wednesday, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie invited Queenslanders to have their say on policy options for changes to the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994.

The purpose of the review is to examine whether the provisions of the act are appropriate for the Queensland retail leasing environment.

“The act provides important protections to small retailers whose bargaining power may be out-weighed by large shopping centre landlords,” Bleijie said.

“This review is about ensuring Queensland’s retail leasing sector laws remain appropriate.

“I am releasing this paper to provide further opportunity for people to provide input to the review. The feedback we receive will inform any future changes to the act.”

A reference group of key tenant, landlord, and other retail leasing groups will also be established to assist the government in deciding its position on appropriate amendments to the act.

Shannon Walker, executive director of the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA), said the review will address one of the retail’s main challenges – high rents and paque leasing process.

“Queensland sporting goods retailers are facing significant challenges, from a higher household saving rate to the low value threshold on goods purchased overseas,” Walker said.

“While relationships between retailers and landlords are often good, there is no doubt smaller retailers can be placed at a disadvantage when negotiating their lease. This review will hopefully lead to more transparency and fairness in lease negotiations.”

“Like many other retailers, the sporting goods sector is particularly concerned with landlords using retail turnover as a method for inappropriate increases to rents.”

The closing date for submissions is July 3, 2013.