On 15 August 2024, the NSW government passed new legislation that will ban trade on the ANZAC Day public holiday for all national retailers operating in NSW. Taking effect from 2025 forwards, these rules impact all national retailers including supermarkets, electrical, hardware and department stores.
The ARA acknowledges that ANZAC Day is one of the most significant days of the year for Australians who proudly come together as a nation to commemorate our fallen soldiers.
For the past 22 years, retailers have respectfully adhered to trading regulations around the country that allowed them to open following ANZAC Day services and marches, with NSW retailers previously permitted to open from 1PM. Western Australia is currently the only state that does not allow trading on ANZAC Day.
The ARA opposed this new legislation from NSW, citing the negative impacts on small businesses during an incredibly challenging economic period, as well as the impact on the general public and casual employees. We have also raised concerns about the rushed nature of the change and the lack of business consultation in the process.
While small businesses like cafes and chemists are exempt from this legislation, they will be impacted by the closure of larger stores. For example, a small café next to a supermarket will see limited foot-traffic and will most likely make the decision not to open.
This ANZAC Day also falls on a Friday with many members of the public likely to take the chance to embrace a long weekend. Closed supermarkets will be a frustrating experience for would-be shoppers and a source of significant lost revenue for retailers.
Casual employees rely on public holiday rates to make ends meet during these tough economic times. This decision takes money out of the pocket of vulnerable frontline workers.
Data from our membership shows consumers in NSW would like the option to shop for food and other essentials on ANZAC Day and did so in higher volumes in the opening hours of trade after 1pm. More generally, we know trading and shopping habits are changing from a 9AM-5PM cycle to a 24-hour economy, with shoppers seeking round-the-clock access to services and supplies.
The ARA will continue to advocate for eased shopping restrictions for on ANZAC Day for NSW retailers.
