Retail trading ban on Anzac Day

Retail trading will be banned across New South Wales on Anzac Day from next year.

Premier Chris Minns announced the changes, which will see retail trading restrictions extended until midnight, on Wednesday.

Previously retail trading restrictions in the state were lifted at 1pm.

The move has been made to stop a “creeping commercialism” cheapening a day, Mr Minns said.

The restrictions do not apply to small businesses and business not considered retailers or with exemptions such as markets, cafes, chemists, newsagencies and takeaway restaurants.

These businesses will continue to remain open the entire day.

“For Australians, no occasion could be more solemn or significant than Anzac Day,” Mr Minns said.

“As of next year, New South Wales will extend our retail trading restrictions across Anzac Day, to make sure our veterans are recognised and free to take part in services throughout the day.

“It might be inconvenient for a few hours, but closing our biggest corporate shops for a single day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy.”

Acting Minister for Industrial Relations, Tara Moriarty questioned why retail trading was allowed in the afternoon when afternoon and sunset services occur.

“We can’t be half-hearted about ANZAC Day.”

Retail union Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) state secretary Bernie Smith has hailed the move as common sense for “such an important day”.

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

“Opening shops at 1pm on such an important day was out of step with how we treat other significant days with trading restrictions that apply across the whole day.

“We owe our veterans and current serving ADF personnel a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice 365 days a year. We can all stop shopping for one whole day to commemorate that sacrifice.”

Public polling commissioned by the SDA also found only 17 per cent of respondents attended food or retail shops on Anzac Day, with most supporting the decision to shut shops.

“Australians agree that Anzac Day is for remembering, not shopping. That’s why it’s time to return retail trading restrictions to the whole of Anzac Day,” Mr Smith said.

A review into Anzac Day trading restrictions commenced last year and a public consultation period ran from September to October.

A majority of submissions supported full-day restrictions including support from veterans, veterans’ organisations and members of the public.

Given the significance of the day, most Australian states impose Anzac Day trading restrictions.

Restricted trading provides workers and businesses the opportunity to participate in commemorative and community events and pay their own respects.

The announcement comes before Thursday’s Middle East Area Operations Commemorations.

“Tomorrow, 11 July at 11am we will as a community pause to remember the 43 members of the ADF who lost their lives in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. It is a timely reminder that a new generation of veterans from East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan often go unseen,” Mr Smith said.

“The new memorial announced by the NSW Government today is important in recognising this generation of veterans and their families.”

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