Inconsistent State Retail Laws Costing Households $9.4 Billion Over 10 Years: Report

Transport and logistics, environment and waste regulation are among the major drivers of hidden costs for Australian businesses and consumers.Shoppers are seen during Boxing Day sales in Sydney on Dec. 26, 2023. AAP Image/Steven Saphore2/26/2026|Updated: 2/26/2026Different retail laws across Australia’s states and territories are expected to cost households $9.4 billion (US$6.7 billion) and the entire economy $26 billion over the next decade.The Australian Retail Council (ARC) released a study exposing what it says is a “hidden tax” on businesses and households in the form of regulatory inconsistency between jurisdictions.