The New South Wales Government is set to ban trading for large retailers on ANZAC Day from next year.
The new legislation will see retail trading restrictions extended to midnight on ANZAC Day – banning larger retailers from operating. Small shops or shops with exemptions, such as cafes, chemists, newsagents and takeaway restaurants, will continue to be able to trade all day on ANZAC Day.
The shopping centre industry recognises the significance of ANZAC Day and the need for the community to have the ability to take part in commemorations.
In its submission to the NSW Government’s review in 2023, the Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) recommended that the status quo be maintained as it believes it enables the community to participate in ANZAC Day commemorations and also for those that choose to; freely elect to open their shops to trade, freely elect to work or freely elect to attend shops and other retailers.
Angus Nardi, Chief Executive of the SCCA said: “ANZAC Day is a significant day, and we support all members of the community being able to participate in ANZAC Day commemorations.”
“We respect Premier Minns’ decision and look forward to working with the Government on the relevant details. This includes changes to the Retail Trading Act 2008 and associated regulations, the role of shopping centres in ensuring access to essential activities, and ensuring that all relevant stakeholders have clarity on key changes and operational issues ahead of ANZAC Day in 2025,” said Nardi.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has also voiced its concern over the decision.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra says the ARA does not support changes to the current ANZAC Day trading hour regulations in NSW, and that the changes to ANZAC Day operating hours would create yet another level of inconsistency between the states and territories.
“Western Australia is the only state that closes on ANZAC Day but all states take their own approach. If NSW were to create another set of unique rules, it will become even more complicated for national retailers to manage,” said Zahra.
“The current approach strikes the right balance, allowing respectful commemoration and consumer choice and convenience, without putting more restrictions on retailers at a time when the sector is doing it tough.”
The ARA made a submission to the NSW Government’s consultation last year opposing changes to trading hour restrictions on ANZAC Day.
