The Australian sporting and active lifestyle goods sector today welcomed the decision of the Federal Government to charge GST on intangibles, the so-called ‘Netflix tax’, but warned more needs to be done to protect the integrity of the GST. Executive Director of the Australian Sporting Goods Association, Shannon Walker, said “If an online overseas retailer like Netflix can collect the GST for movies and TV shows, there is no reason why an online overseas retailer like Wiggle cannot collect GST for a pair of runners. The Government has taken the first step – now it needs to immediately legisla...

The Australian sporting and active lifestyle goods sector has welcomed the commitment of the Victorian Government to improve community sports facilities and increase sports participation in today’s budget. The sporting and active lifestyle goods sector is very pleased to see a commitment of $226 million to Victorian sport. The sector is particularly pleased with the: $100 million Community Sports Infrastructure Fund $10 million to fund decent female change rooms $11.6 million for netball $14 million to encourage more people to get outdoors, take up a sport and maintain a healthy lifesty...

The Australian sporting and active lifestyle goods sector today welcomed the Treasurer's comments that GST should be charged on goods purchased overseas that are under $1,000. Executive Director of the Australian Sporting Goods Association, Shannon Walker, said "The call by Treasurer Joe Hockey, that goods from overseas under $1,000 should attract GST, is another recent positive move from this Government to fix the problems of the low value threshold." "The old argument, that lowering the Low Value Threshold to collect GST on goods purchased overseas would cost more than it collects, is simp...

The sporting and active lifestyle goods industry today welcomed the announcement that Erica Berchtold, Managing Director of Sports Retailing with the Super Retail Group, will be the new President of the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA). Erica was appointed at the ASGA Board meeting on Thursday 19 June 2014 and replaces outgoing President Greg Kerr from adidas. Executive Director of ASGA, Shannon Walker, said “The Board is very pleased and excited to appoint Erica as the President of the Board. As the MD of the largest sporting goods retailer in Australia, Erica has an unrivalled vi...

Assistance for Australian sporting goods retailers to get the best lease possible The Australian Sporting Goods Association is pleased to announce a new strategic alliance with retail lease experts Leasing Information Services (LIS). LIS is the largest independent provider of retail leasing data and retail valuation expertise in Australia, with a database of over 50,000 current leases across the country and over 20 years of experience in valuing retail leases, land economy and retail leasing strategy. Executive director of ASGA, Shannon Walker, said “ASGA is very pleased LIS have come ...

Australian sporting goods companies are encouraged to seize the opportunities presented by the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, after the Queensland Government recently launched the Forward Procurement Plan for the Games. Executive Director of the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA), Shannon Walker, said “Australian sporting goods companies are encouraged to register their interest early in becoming a supplier to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.” “ASGA congratulates the Queensland Government on putting together such a comprehensive procurement plan for the 2018 Games. It’s g...

The Australian sporting and active lifestyle goods sector has welcomed the commitment of the Federal Government to increase participation levels in grassroots sport and recreation. Outcome 10 in the 2014-15 Budget Papers highlights the Government’s dedication to grassroots sport and recreation, stating in the first line of the Outcome Strategy “The Australian Government, through Outcome 10, aims to increase participation in sport and recreation activities by all Australians…” The sporting goods and active lifestyle sector is very pleased to see the new Sporting Schools initiative, funded for $...

The Australian Sporting Goods Association is pleased to announce a new strategic alliance with global payment and hedging specialist AFEX. Executive Director of the ASGA, Shannon Walker, said “AFEX are a leading global payment and risk management company that has pioneered personalised foreign exchange since 1979, and is now a trusted partner to more than 17,000 corporate and private clients around the world.” “This partnership gives ASGA members access to a level of tailored personal service and customised solutions unmatched in the global payment industry. AFEX treat all their clients indivi...

ASGA President, Greg Kerr, has announced he will step down from the Board following his resignation from adidas, which takes effect on 31 July 2014. Mr Kerr served on the Board since October 2010 and has been President since August 2013. Executive Director of ASGA, Shannon Walker, said “Greg has been a fantastic Board member and President, taking a leadership role within the sporting goods sector that will be sorely missed.” “Greg will finish his term as President and on the Board when he leaves adidas at the end of July. In the meantime, the Board will consider who is best placed to replace h...