ARA says changing Anzac Day trading hours will hurt small businesses

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has called for the New South Wales government to retain its current Anzac Day trading hours, saying small businesses would be negatively affected if they were changed.

Over the weekend the NSW government announced a review of Anzac Day trading laws that could see some retailers close for longer.

At the present time, some retailers — including supermarkets and fashion outlets — are required to remain closed until 1pm under the Anzac Day under the Retail Trading Act 2008.

There are exemptions to this rule for businesses such as petrol stations, pharmacies, cafes and takeaways.

“There has been debate in recent times about whether Anzac Day is being appropriately recognised and what, if anything, should be done to ensure all Australians have the opportunity to take part in commemorations,” a release for the NSW government reads.

“Trading restrictions allow workers and business operators the opportunity to participate in commemorative and community events and pay their own respects.”

At the present time, no particulars have been publicised regarding what a change in trading hours could look like. The NSW government has invited retailers and unions to submit their suggestions and responses by October 20.

“I am looking forward to hearing from business groups, unions, RSLs and other stakeholders about how they feel about this potential change,” Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis, said.

“We want to hear whether retail workers and other parties would appreciate a greater opportunity to commemorate Anzac Day in NSW.”

The Australian Retailers Association doesn’t want Anzac Day trading hours to change

The ARA has spoken out against potential changes to Anzac Day trading hours in NSW, saying the current laws are sufficient.

“The existing trading hour regulations strike an ideal balance in allowing Australians to attend dawn services and pay their respects before enjoying their afternoon and shop if they choose to,” ARA CEO, Paul Zahra, said in a statement.

Zahra went on to say that morning trading exemptions to small businesses such as cafes — which serve customers attending Anzac Day services — already exist and are sensible.

“If a decision was made to cease trading entirely on Anzac Day, many small businesses would be disproportionately impacted,” Zahra said.

Zahra also said that with the current cost of living crisis, many casual workers want to receive the penalty rates garnered from working on Anzac Day.

Finally, the ARA has said that changing Anzac Day trading hours in NSW would make things even more complex for national retailers.

“As it stands, Western Australia is the only state that closes on Anzac Day. If a state such as NSW creates another set of unique rules, it will become even more costly and complicated for national retailers to manage.”

Currently, there are slightly different trading rules and hours across different states and territories, with the ACT and the Northern Territory having no restrictions on Anzac Day. We have a full breakdown here.

SmartCompany has contacted RSL NSW and the NSW branch of the SDA — the union representing retailers and fast food workers — for comment.

Previously SDA NSW engaged in an Anzac Day campaign, stating that it’s a day of remembrance, not one for shopping.

“Anzac Day is a solemn day of significance for the community, including retail workers, to commemorate the sacrifices of Australia’s service men and women,” the SDA said at the time.