FED: Shop for Australia and job security, retailers say

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-2008
FED: Shop for Australia and job security, retailers say

CANBERRA, Dec 8 AAP - Retailers are calling on those receiving bonus payments through
the government's $10.4-billion stimulus package to shop for Australia or put jobs at risk.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has told pensioners, carers and eligible families not to
hold back when they receive their share of the cash injection from Monday.

"Go out and spend the money," the prime minister said on Sunday.

The Australian Retailers Association has backed Mr Rudd's call, asking people to spend, not save.

"If people are saving for a rainy day, I can tell them that it's pouring outside,"

association executive director Richard Evans told ABC radio. "If they don't spend it,
they're likely to put their job at risk.

"We need the cash in the economy, from the retailer right through to the farm gate
and the manufacturer."

Mr Evans said the majority of Australians were employed, paying seven-year-low interest
rates and hadn't played and lost on the stock market.

"So nothing much has changed for them except confidence," he said. "What we need to
do is turn that confidence around. The prime minister and and retailers want everyone
to shop for Australia."

The government is handing over $4.8 billion to pensioners and $3.9 billion to families
in a bid to ward off an economic downturn.

Another $1.5 billion has been set aside for first homebuyers who can access enhanced
grants of up to $21,000.

AAP jd/rs

KEYWORD: STIMULUS RETAIL

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