Retailers across the state are reminded of changes to Anzac Day trading restrictions to ensure people can take part in events throughout the day to commemorate veterans and their service to our country.
From this year, retailers who were closed prior to 1pm on previous Anzac Days will remain closed for the entire day.
The move to full-day trading restrictions follows a public consultation period, which received strong support from veterans, veterans' organisations, and the broader community.
This will largely impact big retailers operating in NSW including department stores, supermarkets and fashion outlets which will be closed for the entirety of this national day of remembrance.
Trading restrictions allow workers and business operators the opportunity to participate in commemorative and community events and pay their own respects.
Anzac Day holds deep cultural and historical significance for many Australians, marking 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.
It is a time for all Australians to recognise the more than 1.5 million service men and women who have served our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations. It's also a time to remember over 100,000 Australians who sacrificed their lives in our country's name.
The day upholds several traditions, including dawn and sunset services, veteran marches, and wreath laying ceremonies.
The move to full-day trading restrictions follows a public consultation period, which received strong support from veterans, veterans' organisations, and the broader community.
NSW Fair Trading has been working closely with industry groups to help businesses understand their obligations and provide time for operational adjustments.
While most retailers will be required to close, certain exemptions will apply, such as chemists, newsagencies, petrol stations, takeaway restaurants and licenced venues such as pubs and clubs. These businesses can remain open.
Other exemptions include:
- Small shop retailers (as defined in Section 8 of the Retail Trading Act), To qualify as a small shop retailer, operators must not have more than 4 staff working on any given day throughout the year. If this requirement is met, small shop retailers can trade on Anzac Day with no more than 4 staff plus up to 2 owners working.
- Shops holding a hotel or small bar licence, provided they meet specific conditions.
- Shops listed in Schedule 1 of the Retail Trading Act 2008.
To ensure compliance businesses affected by the updated trading restrictions should review their business hours for Anzac Day and communicate changes to staff as soon as possible.
For more information, please visit the Small Business Commissioner website.
Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:
"Restricted trading hours help to honour the memory of those who served and ensure Anzac Day continues to hold important cultural significance across the state.
"This move is aligned with feedback sought on full-day restrictions last year which received strong support from veterans, veterans' organisations, and the public.
"We appreciate the cooperation of retailers in observing these restrictions, allowing communities to come together in reflection and remembrance on this important day."
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"Anzac Day is one of our nation's most significant days for the community to come together and commemorate sacrifice and service.
"In recent years, Anzac Day has continued to grow in popularity but for too long, there's been those in our community who haven't been able to attend commemorations due to having to work.
"Restricting trading on Anzac Day will allow workers and businesses to pay their respects to those who have served and sacrificed protecting our country and helps ensure the sanctity of remembrance is given the status it deserves."
RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge said:
"Anzac Day is the most sacred day on our national calendar and it's important that every Australian has the opportunity to pause, reflect and honour those who have served and who continue to serve.
"We must do all that we can to preserve the Anzac spirit and ensure the unique sacrifices of our servicemen and women, past and present, and their contribution to our Australian way of life are never forgotten."
Secretary of SDA NSW, Bernie Smith said:
"Anzac Day is a solemn day of significance for the whole community, including shop workers, to commemorate the sacrifices of Australia's service men and women.
"We owe our veterans and current serving ADF personnel a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice 365 days a year. We can all stop shopping for one whole day to commemorate that sacrifice.
"Shop workers across NSW are pleased shops are closed all day this year so they can stop and commemorate with the rest of the community on Anzac Day across the whole day.
"We want to remind the public don't forget shops are closed all day this year on Anzac Day. Just be organised and get anything you need on the 24th - because Anzac Day itself is for remembering, not shopping."
