With the Anzac Day public holiday less than one week away, businesses and their customers across the country still remain confused about when they can begin trading and what hours are restricted.
The confusion is due to the date of this year’s public holiday. Anzac Day falls on Sunday, April 25, but the actual public holiday will fall on Monday, April 26. Many businesses are confused about whether they must observe Anzac Day restrictions on Sunday or Monday.
This confusion increased when Chadstone Shopping Centre told SmartCompany earlier this year it would open before noon on both the Sunday and the Monday holiday. However, just a few weeks later it amended its decision and announced it would open after noon.
Additionally, a spat between retail giant Kmart and the New South Wales Government regarding its application to trade before 1pm on Sunday, April 25, brought the issue to light for many businesses. The Government condemned the retailer for even suggesting an exemption on Anzac Day, prompting the company to withdraw its application.
But while businesses in New South Wales may be educated about the restrictions, SMEs in other states still remain confused. Here is SmartCompany’s definitive guide to Anzac Day trading hours for 2010:
Victoria
Victoria will recognise the Anzac Day public holiday on Monday, April 26. Business Victoria has confirmed trading restrictions will apply on Sunday, April 25, with business to open after 1pm. Trading hours for the Monday will be the same as any other public holiday.
Northern Territory
Businesses will follow normal public holiday trading restrictions on Monday, April 26, with Anzac Day restrictions to apply on Sunday, April 25.
Queensland
Queensland businesses will observe normal Anzac Day trading restrictions on Sunday, April 25, with normal restrictions for public holidays to be observed on Monday, April 26. Exempt businesses will be able to trade outside these hours, but individual companies must contact local government or retail representatives to apply for eligibility.
New South Wales
Businesses in New South Wales were fortunate enough to learn about the state’s regulations through the public debate between itself and Kmart. Businesses must open after 1pm on Sunday, April 25, and must observe normal public holiday trading laws on Monday, April 26.
Tasmania
Businesses with fewer than 250 employees do not need to observe trading restrictions on both days, a Government representative has said. Businesses with over 250 employees must open after 1pm on Sunday, April 25, and must observe restrictions on Monday, April 26.
South Australia
The trading laws for South Australia are complicated and differ for businesses depending on their size. According to the minister for Industrial Relations, Paul Holloway, closure notices will determine which businesses can open and at what times.
Normal public holiday trading hours will apply on Monday, April 26. Businesses are encouraged to speak with local retail or government representatives to check their business category.
Australian Capital Territory
No response from the Chief Minister’s Office was received. However, the Shopping Centre Council of Australia has said no trading restrictions will apply for either the Sunday or Monday.
Western Australia
The West Australian Government Biz Line was unattended this morning, and the West Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry offices did not return calls before publication.
However, the SCCA has said normal retail shops are not permitted to open on Sunday, April 25 before noon. Additionally, Monday, April 26 has been declared a public holiday and non-exempt stores cannot open.
However, businesses must be sure to contact local authorities due to the complex nature of the Western Australia retail trading restrictions.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
