New retail trade restrictions for Anzac Day

THE NEW South Wales premier Chris Minns has announced an extension of retail trading restrictions on Anzac Day starting in 2025.

The new legislation will restrict large retailers from trading for 24 hours, with some traders to reopen at midnight. Anzac Day trade exemptions will be in place for small businesses such as cafes, restaurants, chemists, newsagents, hotels and clubs.

Last week, Minns affirmed the significance and solemnity of Anzac Day for all Australians. He admitted that the decision might involve some inconvenience but that it was a very small sacrifice.

“Remembering the fallen means stopping what we’re doing, putting aside our daily concerns, so we can properly reflect on the Australians who’ve gone before us. It means pausing as a community – really pausing – to contemplate the sacrifices made in our name,” Premier Minns said.

“Closing our biggest corporate shops for a single day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy. For more than a century, their sacrifices have made our great country possible. Our veterans accept these risks in our name as Australians. The least we can do is give them a full day of thanks in return.”

The retail ban has implications for business, small and large, particularly in regional areas. Secretary of Business Murwillumbah and small business owner Sharon Matulick said that it was a vexed issue and different for different towns in the region.

“Somewhere like Tweed City would be more impacted by this new rule than visitor-centric beach areas such as Kingscliff or Cabarita,” Ms Matulick said.

“Murwillumbah traditionally has strong support for Anzac Day and the activities around it. Many would understand why the changes have been made – to give the day the honour it deserves.”

“But on the other hand, from a small business perspective, the complete closure of large retailers is likely to have an impact on smaller businesses. For many being open is a way for small regional towns to welcome visitors at that time of year.”

The Australian Retailers Association disagrees with the legislation. CEO Paul Zahra said that the existing regulations allowing stores to open after 1pm struck the right balance for consumers, retail workers and small business owners.

“Changing this legislation will not change the way Australians come together on this important day,” he said.