Confusion is growing over the upcoming Anzac Day public holiday, with Government departments and retailers seemingly unsure about what shops can be open and at what times.
The dilemma is due to the fact Anzac Day falls on a Sunday this year, with all states recognising the public holiday on the next available Monday, April 26.
However, on normal Anzac Day holidays retailers are restricted from opening until about 1pm in order to show respect for the dawn services occurring across the country.
Retailers have been confused over whether these restrictions must be adhered to on the Monday public holiday as well, or not at all.
But Government departments are barely informed themselves, giving little information for businesses regarding when they can or cannot trade, or if any new restrictions have been enforced.
Victoria
Victoria recognises the Anzac Day public holiday on Monday, April 26.
A representative from Business Victoria stated trading restrictions would apply for the state on Sunday, April 25, while trading hours for the Monday, April 26 public holiday would remain as per any other public holiday.
However, major shopping destination Chadstone told SmartCompany it intends to open at 10am on both the Sunday and Monday, seemingly going against the Government’s restrictions.
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory businesses must follow normal public holiday trading restrictions on the Monday, April 26.
A spokesman for the Commissioner for Public Employment had no information to give on what trading restrictions would apply on the Sunday, April 25, and referred SmartCompany to the websites of major supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths as a guide.
Queensland
Queensland businesses will observe trading restrictions on Anzac Day, April 25, with normal public holiday restrictions to be observed on the following Monday, April 26.
Exempt businesses may trade outside the restricted hours, but individual businesses must contact the Government or local retail representatives in order to determine their eligibility.
Australian Capital Territory
There was no response from any representative, and no information has been provided on the Government’s site regarding Anzac Day trading hours.
New South Wales
There was no response from any representative from the NSW Industrial Relations line, and no information has been provided on the Government’s site regarding Anzac Day trading hours.
South Australia
Upon contacting the South Australian Government for information regarding Anzac Day trading hours, SmartCompany was referred to the Retail Trader’s Association.
The RTA did not answer calls.
Tasmania
There was no response from the Tasmanian Government. The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce did not return calls before publication.
Western Australia
Both the West Australian Government Biz Line and the West Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry offices were unattended.
No information regarding Anzac Day trading hours could be found on the Government’s website.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
