Advocacy led by collaboration, driven by our advisory groups
ASGA's advocacy work today runs through five member-led advisory groups and TreadLightly's direct engagement with government on sustainability and circularity policy, backed by a track record in submissions and government relations that goes back to 1980.
At a glance
Five groups, one seat at the table each
Each group is chaired by a member representative and meets to develop ASGA's position on the issues that matter to the industry right now. Select a group to see its mandate and recent activity.
Data & Research
Market trends, reporting improvements, and data priorities across the industry
Mandate
Guides the direction of ASGA's wholesale and HR data services, setting priorities for what gets measured and how it's reported back to members.
Recent activity
- Oversaw the transition of wholesale data services to an in-house model
- Convened the Golf Data Advisory Committee on reporting priorities
Sustainability
Sustainability policy and industry practice, working alongside TreadLightly
Mandate
Promotes sustainable practice across the sporting goods and active lifestyle industry, working with communities, members, and government. Sits alongside ASGA's TreadLightly program, which delivers the operational side of this work through footwear and sports ball recycling.
Recent activity
- Engaged with government on extended producer responsibility and circularity reform
- Coordinated with TreadLightly on brand and retailer sustainability reporting
- Reviewed government sustainability grant opportunities relevant to members
HR Advisory
Workforce issues, wage trends, and employment regulation across the industry
Mandate
Supports members on workforce development, retention, and leadership pathways, and advises on industrial relations changes affecting retail and wholesale employers in the sporting goods sector.
Recent activity
- Delivered the Women's Leadership Series event with member brands
- Monitored proposed changes to award and casual employment provisions
- Distributed guidance to members on legislative changes as they land
Finance
Taxation, GST, and the cost of doing business for the sporting goods sector
Mandate
Represents member interests on taxation, GST treatment of imported goods, and the broader cost of doing business affecting the sporting goods sector.
Recent activity
- Monitored GST and import tax policy affecting online and imported goods
- Contributed member cost data to submissions on the cost of doing business
Marketing
Industry campaigns, participation initiatives, and communications
Mandate
Works with communities and government to promote participation in sporting and physical activities, and leads industry-wide campaigns and communications on behalf of members.
Recent activity
- Contributed industry perspective to national participation initiatives
- Liaised with the Australian Sports Commission on relevant programmes
Where we've made a formal case to government
Between 2011 and 2017, ASGA made regular formal submissions to government on behalf of the membership. Since then, our advocacy has run primarily through our advisory groups and TreadLightly's direct engagement with government on sustainability and circularity policy. A dedicated formal submissions program returns as a standalone priority in 2026.
National Sports Plan 2017
A submission to provide ASGA's views on the Federal Government's National Sports Plan.
Modern Slavery Act 2017
A submission to the Commonwealth Government's Parliamentary Inquiry into Australia adopting a Modern Slavery Act.
2017-18 Pre-Budget Submission
ASGA's policy recommendations in the lead-up to the 2017-18 Federal Budget.
GST on Low Value Imported Goods
A submission on the proposed amendment to charge GST on overseas online purchases of physical goods.
GST on Cross-Border Transactions
A submission on the proposed amendment to charge GST on overseas online purchases of intangible goods.
SA Retail Shop Leases Review
A letter responding to the South Australian Government's review of the Retail and Commercial Leases Act.
Anti-Counterfeiting Brief
A briefing document outlining ASGA's concerns about counterfeit products entering the country.
Relative Costs of Business in Australia
A submission on how expensive it is for retailers to do business in Australia, relative to other countries.
Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman
ASGA's views on the role, powers, and responsibilities of the SBFEO.
Designed-to-Move Project
A briefing document regarding the international Designed to Move project.
NSW Retail Leases Act
ASGA's view on how the Act could be improved for sporting and active lifestyle goods retailers.
QLD Retail Shop Leases Act
ASGA's view on how the Act could be improved for sporting and active lifestyle goods retailers.
Australian Curriculum (Physical Education)
ASGA's comments on the Physical Education curriculum being developed nationally.
Productivity Commission Report (2/2)
ASGA's response to the Productivity Commission's report into the low value threshold and other retail issues.
Productivity Commission Report (1/2)
ASGA's call, alongside other industry bodies, for a reduction of the low value threshold and other retail changes.
