I, and also on behalf of Senator Whish-Wilson and Senator Madigan, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 October 2014:

     The need for a national approach to retail leasing arrangements to create a fairer system and reduce the burden on small to medium businesses with associated benefits to landlords, with particular reference to:

(a) the first right of refusal for tenants to renew their lease;

(b) affordable, effective and timely dispute resolution processes;

(c) a fair form of rent adjustment;

(d) implications of statutory rent thresholds;

(e) bank guarantees;

(f) a need for a national lease register;

(g) full disclosure of incentives;

(h) provision of sales results;

(i) contractual obligations relating to store fit-outs and refits; and

(j) any related matters.

Question agreed to.