Last week, Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury announced the appointment of eBay Inc. Australia Vice President Deborah Sharkey to the Retail Council of Australia. The Council was established by the Australian Government in response to issues raised by the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the Economic Structure and Performance of the Australian Retail Industry and has been assembled to advise the Government on the future of the retail sector. The Council will work closely with the Council of Australian Governments and provide an opportunity for industry to collectively raise their concerns with the Government.

eBay and the additional members announced will join the four foundation members announced by the former Assistant Treasurer, Minister Shorten including CHOICE; Margy Osmond from the Australian National Retailers Association; Peter Strong from the Council of Small Business of Australia; and Russell Zimmerman from the Australian Retailers Association. In his media release Minister Bradbury said “Together, these members will create a diverse and dynamic group united by their common commitment to building and maintaining a strong retail sector in Australia and will bring their own particular knowledge, experience and expertise to the table to inform the Council’s discussions.”

The inaugural meeting of the Council will take place in Sydney this week.