We have a date – Australian Retail Council launches 1 February 2026!.
We are delighted to announce the official amalgamation date for the Australian Retail Council (ARC) of 1 February 2026.
This news follows the Fair Work Commission (FWC) hearing this morning, where we received formal approval to proceed with amalgamation.
This historic milestone marks a new era in our shared history of more than 120 years supporting the Australian retail community.
We can now deliver on our promise of creating a unified voice for retail, ensuring every Australian respects and celebrates its sustaining contribution to communities across our nation.
What does this mean for members?
As a foundation member of ARC, we are pleased to confirm your membership fees will be grandfathered for 12 months from amalgamation date – that is, until 1 February 2027.
This special provision applies only to ARA and NRA members who are financial members as of today, 28 November 2025.
Your existing member services continue as normal throughout this transition period.
We look forward to delivering enhanced ARC member services in the months ahead.
If you have any questions, concerns or feedback please reach out to your existing membership teams or contact ARC CEO Designate Chris Rodwell via email.
It’s a yes!
Australian Retail Council wins member vote.
We are thrilled to announce a resounding ‘yes’ vote from members to the proposed amalgamation of our organisations to form the Australian Retail Council (ARC).
Thank you to everyone who supported this process.
It is fantastic to have received such high member engagement, with 1238 formal votes cast across the memberships of both organisations, with 92.7% in favour of amalgamation.
This powerful vote of confidence is a significant step forward in our Fair Work Commission application.
At an upcoming FWC hearing we will resolve the formal date of amalgamation.
We anticipate that from early next year ARC will be operating as a unified industry body, proudly representing the interests of our $430 billion sector, which employs one in ten Australians.
AEC: Notice to ARA and NRA members for Amalgamation Ballot.
Ballot Order: D2025/5.
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has ordered that the AEC conduct a vote by secret ballot (the Ballot), to decide whether the employer organisations the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association Limited, Union of Employers (NRA) amalgamate to form the Australian Retail Council.
Who is eligible to vote? The persons to be balloted are persons who are members of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association Limited, Union of Employers (NRA) on 5 September 2025.
Voting Period: The ballot will be conducted by post and will commence on Friday 26 September 2025 and close at 10:00am Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) Thursday 23 October 2025.
Replacement Voter Pack: If the postal vote pack is not received by 9 October 2025, voters may contact the AEC to request a replacement voter pack by calling 02 9375 6366 or 03 9285 7111 or by sending email to IEBevents@aec.gov.au referring to the Ballot Order D2025/5.
Changed Address? Advise your Organisation now.
The postal vote pack will be sent to your current postal address as provided to the AEC by your Organisation.
Privacy: The AEC handles personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Further information can also be found in the relevant AEC Privacy page and the IEB page collection notice.
What question will be on the ballot paper?
Eligible voters of ARA will be asked the following question:.
Do you approve the proposed amalgamation Australian Retailers Association with National Retail Association Limited, Union of Employers, in accordance with the scheme for amalgamation, a copy of the outline of which has been sent to you with this ballot paper?.
Eligible voters of NRA will be asked the following question:.
Do you approve the proposed amalgamation of National Retail Association Limited, Union of Employers with Australian Retailers Association, in accordance with the scheme for amalgamation, a copy of the outline of which has been sent to you with this ballot paper?.
More Information: If you would like more information about the Ballot, please refer to the AEC website at: https://www.aec.gov.au/elections/aranra/.
AEC Update September 2025
We’re pleased to share a significant step forward in the amalgamation process between the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA).
On Friday 29 August, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) instructed the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to conduct a ballot of members from both organisations on the proposed amalgamation.
Key dates
Ballot opens: 26 September 2025.
Ballot closes: 23 October 2025.
Next steps: Following the ballot, the AEC will declare a result.
At least 30 days later, the FWC will hold a hearing to finalise the process.
This milestone marks an exciting moment in our journey, though there is still important work ahead to ensure ARC launches from the strongest possible foundation.
We thank our members for their ongoing support, and extend special thanks to the Council and Board members assisting behind the scenes with the AEC’s process.
Together, we’re building a stronger future for Australian retail.
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