The National Retail Association has urged the Albanese Government to include the retail sector in its net-zero plans.
The call-out comes as Federal climate and energy minister Chris Bowen announced the development of six sectoral plans specific to electricity, resources, industry, building, transport and land.
“What we're aiming to achieve is guidance to investors around the world that for each sector, this is how the Government envisaged the decarbonisation to development,” Bowen said. “So it won't be sector-by-sector targets; it will be quite detailed plans - but today I'm announcing we're going to write the plans. Today I’m beginning the consultation.”
According to Bowen, the consultation process revolves around the Government's overall plan to achieve net-zero emission by 2050, with a 2035 target soon to be announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
NRA CEO Greg Griffith urged the government to consider the input costs these targets would add to retailers. He said he would like to see an industry and small business plan added as part of the ongoing consultation process.
“Industry plays a critical role in achieving climate targets and sustainability,” Griffith said. “It’s important to set realistic and achievable plan for small and medium businesses and we encourage the Federal Government to consult more with our sector to achieve a common goal.
“Retail should be one of the sectors considered for net-zero consultation given it would be most impacted by climate plans announced for any of these sectors.
Griffith said inviting retailers to the roundtable on climate action would be a positive step because government can gain insight into how the sector is managing regulatory changes related to climate change.
The Australian retail sector has been proactive across several environmental initiatives including the phase-out of single-use plastics and recycling initiatives, as well as the Australian Fashion Council’s Seamless initiative towards circularity.
“Reaching net-zero targets has been an industry coordinated effort and we urge the Government to cast a wider net and consult the retail sector when approaching future net-zero discussions,” Griffith said.
“While retailers have always been in front of government regulation in its effort to dial back plastic waste, the shifting policies have been quite expensive to businesses, especially small to medium enterprises.
“Industry input would support the Government to better manage the cost impacts on businesses through support packages and investment that would help struggling SMEs reach their targets.
“Net-zero is a nationwide effort, and we need all hands on deck.”