Govt To Host Online Retail Forum

  • Govt to identify benefits/challenges of Online Shopping
  • Speakers will be from Goodle, PayPal, Aussie Post
  • Webcast for those who can’t make it

On the back of some prominent retailers such as Gerry Harvey calling for GST to be charged on products from overseas online retailers, the Federal Government will be hosting an Online Retail Forum in Sydney on February 18.

Senator Nick Sherry, Minister for Small Business, will deliver a closing keynote at the event.

“Before Christmas, the government asked the Productivity Commission to look into the future of Australian retail,” Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said. “Providing an online information and sales channel is clearly an important part of any discussion about the future of Australian retail. Buying and selling online can deliver benefits to Australian businesses in the form of greater efficiencies, broader customer base and increased revenues. Shopping online can also deliver benefits to consumers in the form of greater customer satisfaction, better product information and, in some instances, lower prices.”

To assist Australian businesses, particularly small businesses, to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital economy, Conroy will facilitate an industry event to identify the benefits and challenges of online retail and possible solutions.

 “The reliable, ubiquitous, high-speed broadband that the NBN will deliver will bring more Australians online and allow Australian retailers to expand their market and enhance their online offerings,” Conroy said.

The Forum will include speakers from eBay, PayPal, Shoes of Prey, Gray’s Online, Australia Post, Temando, DHL, Google and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The panel discussion will cover topics such as logistics, and the searching and purchasing trends of Australian online consumers.

Those unable to attend in person can participate remotely by watching the live webcast, viewing online videos shortly after the event, or contributing to and following the #orf11 Twitter hashtag.