The release of eBay‘s inaugural Australian Online Business Index (OBI) today demonstrates a robust and growing e-commerce sector.

The inaugural OBI outlines a number of key facts surrounding the opportunities and concerns facing Australia’s e-commerce industry over the next 12 months. The Index found that 67% of those surveyed were optimistic about their 12 month business outlook with 38% expecting to increase staffing levels during the period.

The Index also found that businesses use eBay as well as other sales channels such as traditional bricks and mortar stores to reach consumers. Deborah Sharkey, Managing Director, eBay Australia and New Zealand Pty Ltd, says that eBay is proud of the role it plays in assisting business to reach a wider audience and in incubating Australian ecommerce.

In responding to questions put regarding Government policies and how the government can further assist with the development of the burgeoning ecommerce sector, those surveyed said that for them, faster online access along with improved postal and delivery services are top priorities over the coming 12 months.

Interestingly, when asked which political party had the best policies for online businesses, 54% of respondents said “none”.

The Online Business Index survey was sent to 3000 of the top eBay sellers for response.