The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, was the host of Online Retail Forum in Sydney on 18 February 2011.

The forum was organized to encourage and support Australian retailers to explore online business options.

“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,” Senator Conroy said.

eBay Australia Managing Director, Deborah Sharkey spoke at the Forum.  She addresses issues such as the popularity of online shopping, the strong Australian dollar, convenience, the depth of products available online overseas and within Australia, together with the influence of the smart phone. Ms Sharkey also spoke about the future growth of online eCommerce and dispelled a few myths that suggest that all online spending is going overseas.

To see the speech, please click on the link Online Retail Forum