The Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General is conducting a review of the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 to determine whether the provisions of the Act are appropriate for the Queensland retail leasing environment.
The department has announced an Options Paper, which details options for legislative amendments and issues raised by stakeholders. Tenants, landlords, professional and industry stakeholders will have the opportunity until July 3 to consider and respond to the submissions made by other interested stakeholders.
The Options Paper can be downloaded here.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed the review with executive director Russell Zimmerman saying the review will not only assist in protecting the interests of Queensland retailers, but will also remove unnecessary red tape and regulatory burden that hinders the prosperity of these businesses.
““The review is a crucial step forward to ensuring more transparency and fairness in the lease negotiation process, which the ARA has been advocating for in order to level the power relationship between landlord and retailer,” he said.
“The review will assist in strengthening the leases register, removing the smoke and mirrors so that Queensland retailers can negotiate their retail leases fairly.
“For many retailers, occupancy costs are higher than wages and managing this expense and the lease agreement is critical for the ongoing success of retail businesses.”
The ARA will be preparing a submission on behalf of Australian retailers.
Submissions or comments to the Options Paper can made:
Via email: RetailShopLeases@justice.qld.gov.au
Or post:
Department of Justice and Attorney-General
Retail Shop Leases Act Review
Strategic Policy
GPO Box 149
BRISBANE QLD 4001