The official amalgamation date for the Australian Retail Council (ARC) has been confirmed as 1 February 2026. This follows formal approval granted during the Fair Work Commission (FWC) hearing, allowing the amalgamation to proceed.

This development marks a new chapter in a shared history spanning more than 120 years of supporting the Australian retail community. The formation of ARC will deliver a unified voice for the sector, highlighting its vital contribution to communities across the nation.

Implications for Members

Foundation members of ARC will have their membership fees grandfathered for 12 months from the amalgamation date, until 1 February 2027. This provision applies exclusively to members of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association Limited, Union of Employers (NRA) who are financial members as of 28 November 2025. Existing member services will continue as usual during this transition period, with enhanced ARC member services to be rolled out in the months ahead.

Members with questions or feedback are encouraged to contact their current membership teams or reach out to ARC CEO Designate Chris Rodwell via email.

Member Vote Confirms Amalgamation

The proposed amalgamation received overwhelming support in a member vote, with 1,238 formal votes cast and 92.7% in favour. This decisive outcome represents a strong vote of confidence and is a critical step in the FWC application process.

With the final date of amalgamation now established, ARC anticipates operating as a unified industry body from early 2026, representing the interests of a $430 billion sector that employs one in ten Australians.

AEC Ballot for Amalgamation

The Fair Work Commission directed the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to conduct a secret ballot to determine whether the ARA and NRA would amalgamate to form the ARC.

• Eligible voters were members of the ARA and NRA as of 5 September 2025.

• Voting period: 26 September 2025 to 23 October 2025, conducted by post.

• Members could request a replacement voter pack if not received by 9 October 2025 by contacting the AEC.

The ballot questions asked members to approve the proposed amalgamation in accordance with the scheme of amalgamation provided with the ballot papers. Further details were available on the AEC website: https://www.aec.gov.au/elections/aranra/.

AEC Update – September 2025

On 29 August 2025, the FWC instructed the AEC to conduct the member ballot for the proposed amalgamation. Following the ballot result, the FWC held a hearing to finalise the process, paving the way for the launch of ARC.

This important step represents progress toward creating a stronger, unified retail body while ensuring ARC begins its operations on a solid foundation. Members, Council, and Board members supporting the process have been acknowledged for their ongoing contributions.

Together, these steps are building a stronger future for Australian retail.

From the Australian Association of Convenience Stores news article, published 5 December 2025, accessed 8 December 2025.