Large retailers in New South Wales, including supermarkets, will be banned from opening on Anzac Day at all. In a move backed by veterans and a retail union, the state government is tightening trade restrictions to combat what the Premier has called the "creeping commercialisation" of the day.
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00It's the day Australians remember those who fought for freedom.
00:09Out of respect for the ANZACs, large retailers are currently banned from opening until after
00:141pm.
00:15From next year, supermarkets and department stores will have to stay shut for the entire
00:20public holiday.
00:21We believe there's been a commercialisation, a creeping commercialisation of ANZAC Day.
00:27The government carried out a review last year and says most feedback supported all-day
00:32restrictions.
00:33I think the shops are open long enough, they don't need to be open any further.
00:36If people can't show one day respect, well, what's left?
00:40Some businesses, like cafes, chemists and news agencies can remain open all day.
00:44I think it's a great way to ensure we protect the sanctity of ANZAC Day.
00:49Retail workers want to stop with the rest of the community to recognise the sacrifice.
00:54The Australian Retailers Association opposes the move, which it says would restrict consumer
00:59choice and reduce the earning potential for retail employees.
01:03I know that there's a criticism that says, well, you can go and have a beer with your
01:06friends but you can't go to Woolies and buy baked beans or something.
01:10Look, there is a difference between the two things.
01:13The change to the legislation has bipartisan support and will bring New South Wales into
01:18line with most other Australian states.
01:21It gives people more of a chance to reflect on why ANZAC Day is.
01:25A day of commemoration, not commerce.