Friday 07 January 2022
Australia’s largest peak retail body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), has welcomed the exemptions announced by the South Australian Government allowing all shops to trade on Australia Day, regardless of where they’re located.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said the exemptions are a boost for suburban retailers and consumers who can now shop locally on the January 26 public holiday.
“We congratulate the South Australian Government for the exemptions which deliver a more even playing field for shops on the Australia Day public holiday, allowing them to open and trade regardless of their size or location,” Mr Zahra said.
“This gives consumers the option to shop locally, close to their homes – something that would normally be off limits on public holidays.
“Whilst we welcome the exemptions for Australia Day, it once again highlights the need for long-lasting reform to the state’s trading hours regime.
“Shops need flexibility to open when customers want to shop – in the morning on weekends, in the evening during the week and on public holidays.
“We currently have outdated trading hour restrictions in South Australia that are not reflective of modern-day consumer behaviour.
“We will continue to advocate for changes in this area to bring South Australia’s trading hours into the 21st century.”
