The Victorian Government has announced its intention to overturn a ban on Easter Sunday shopping hours, winning support from business but sparking an outcry within the community.
The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Union has argued that it will mean workers will be forced to put in hours without receiving penalty rates, as Easter Sunday is not classified as a public holiday.
The decision highlights the confusion regarding this year’s Easter weekend, as both Easter Monday and Anzac Day actually fall on the same day – prompting states to introduce a second public holiday for Tuesday April 26.
Victorian small business minister Louise Asher told Fairfax yesterday that overturning the ban will allow more businesses to trade.
Previously, only businesses with fewer than 20 employees could open. Overturning the ban will mean major department stores and other types of shops will be allowed to trade.
“This change provides absolute clarity and certainty for businesses and positions Victoria to generate millions of dollars in revenue from increased tourism and retail activity,” he said.
“All businesses will now be able to capitalise on the influx of holiday-makers at this busy time of year and help to ensure Victoria is a tourist destination that meets international expectations.”
The Victorian Employer’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry agrees, saying that it is better for businesses to remain “open for business”.
“The tourism sector in particular is affected by the fact that large retail chains cannot open on Easter Sunday at a time when Victoria is striving to become an international tourism destination of choice.”
With so much confusion regarding this year’s Easter trading hours, here’s a quick guide to get you up-to-date.
Victoria
Good Friday will remain a public holiday, along with Easter Monday. Because Anzac Day falls on Easter Monday, the next day, April 26, will also be a public holiday.
Easter Sunday will not be a public holiday but shops are permitted to open.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, every day on this year’s Easter weekend – from Good Friday to Anzac Day on Tuesday April 26 – are all public holidays.
However, New South Wales makes a distinction between restricted trading days and unrestricted trading days. Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Anzac Day prior to 1pm are restricted, while Easter Saturday and Easter Monday are unrestricted.
More information is available here.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday and the replacement holiday for Anzac Day are all public holidays. Easter Sunday is not a public holiday.
Queensland
Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday and the replacement holiday for Anzac Day are all public holidays. Easter Sunday is not a public holiday.
Information about which shops are able to open is available here.
Northern Territory
All days during the Easter weekend expected Easter Sunday are classified as public holidays.
Western Australia
Good Friday, Easter Monday and the Anzac Day holiday on the Tuesday are all public holidays, but Easter Saturday and Sunday are not holidays.
South Australia
Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday and the Tuesday holiday are all public holidays. Easter Sunday is not classified as a holiday.
Tasmania
Good Friday, Easter Monday and the Tuesday are public holidays, while Easter Saturday and Sunday are not holidays.
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