Online Forum to aid web-based retailing

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has announced that he will host an Online Retail Forum in Sydney on 18th February 2011, to encourage and support Australian retailers to explore online business options.
Senator Nick Sherry, Minister for Small Business, will deliver a closing keynote at the event.
Senator Conroy stated "before Christmas, the government asked the Productivity Commission to look into the future of Australian retail.
"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, Senator Conroy will facilitate an industry event to identify the benefits and challenges of online retail and possible solutions.
Senator Conroy noted a recent Access Economics report titled Household E-Commerce Activity and Trends in Australia, which suggests that the National Broadband Network (NBN) is likely to be a catalyst for the development of e-commerce in Australia.
Senator Conroy added âthe 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.�?
The Forum will include speakers from eBay, PayPal, Shoes of Prey, Grayâs 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.
To register for the event, or for more information, please visit

http://www.dbcde.gov.au/onlineretail