An Anzac Day dawn service at Wollongong’s MacCabe Park cenotaph. From next year, major retailers will not be allowed to trade on the day. Photo: NEG Photography.
Illawarra veterans have welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to ban most retailers from opening on Anzac Day.
Retail traders including supermarkets are currently required to stay closed until 1 pm under the Retail Trading Act. Under the changes, to come into force in 2025, their doors will have to remain closed until midnight.
The new restrictions will not not apply to small businesses and other retailers such as markets, cafes, chemists, newsagencies and takeaway restaurants.
City of Wollongong RSL sub branch vice-president welfare Lachlan Stevens said the organisation welcomed the changes.
“It provides an opportunity for any veteran or family member who would normally have to work, to be able to commemorate and enjoy the spirit of the day,” he said.
“Anzac Day is a treasured day on Australia’s national calendar and it provides a great opportunity for every Australian to reflect on the day’s significance and the impact our veteran community has had on shaping Australia’s national identity.”
A review into Anzac Day trading restrictions started last year and a public consultation period ran from September to October.
The majority of submissions supported full-day restrictions including support from veterans, veterans’ organisations and members of the public.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said for Australians, no occasion could be more solemn or significant than Anzac Day.
“As of next year, NSW 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,” he said.
“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.”
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