The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has urged the New South Wales Government to retain existing ANZAC Day trading hours.
The peak body claims some unions are calling for stores to cease trading entirely on April 25 next year.
This comes as the NSW Government seeks submissions on ANZAC Day trading hours for 2024.
Currently, traders such as supermarkets and fashion retailers are required to stay closed until 1pm on ANZAC Day under the Retail Trading Act 2008.
“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,” Zahra said.
“Some morning exemptions currently exist for small businesses, an example being a cafe allowing to trade, serving early morning coffees for customers heading to morning services – which is sensible.
“If a decision was made to cease trading entirely on Anzac Day, many small businesses would be disproportionately impacted.
“While cafes, markets, takeaway restaurants, service stations and pharmacies are automatically exempt, it still leaves smaller retailers in areas such as homewares and fashion in uncertainty.”
Zahra said small family-run businesses rely on every opportunity to trade, including on public holidays, to make ends meet. He said prohibiting them from trading on ANZAC Day would have a “detrimental” impact on their business.
According to Zahra, any changes to the existing arrangements in NSW will also add another layer of complexity 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.”
The ARA will be providing a submission to the NSW Inquiry calling for current ANZAC Day trading hour regulations to be retained.
According to the NSW Government, there has been debate in recent times about whether ANZAC Day is being appropriately recognised and what can be done to ensure all Australian can take part in commemorations.
ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, landing in Gallipoli in 1915. ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps.
The day is marked by a number of traditions, including dawn and sunset services, veteran marches, and wreath-laying ceremonies.
Restrictions currently differ amongst Australian jurisdictions, with retail outlets open from early afternoon in some states (including NSW), closed all day in other states, while no restrictions are enforced in both territories.
People and groups can upload written submissions to the NSW Government until 5pm on October 20, 2023.
“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.”