The South Australian Business Chamber is pleased to see the Shop Trading Hours (Extension of Hours) Amendment Bill 2022 pass through the Legislative Council.
The South Australian Business Chamber Chief Executive Andrew Kay acknowledges South Australia’s unique mix of businesses in the retail sector that drives innovation in turn supporting local producers and manufacturers.
“The bill maintains the balance in allowing shops to open longer and supporting South Australian businesses.
“The bill tightens the ministerial powers to grant exemptions to the Shop Trading Hours Act 1977.
“The requirement for consultation with interested parties about exemptions is a welcome assurance for stakeholders while maintain flexibility in the Act. These powers can be of significant benefit for major events and one-off events, as we saw for the Queen’s Memorial Day.”
The South Australian Business Chamber General Manager Policy and Advocacy Kendall Crowe is particularly pleased to see the modest expansion of Shop Trading Hours on Sunday, Boxing Day, Black Friday, and three late night Christmas shopping days.
“Boxing Day sales have long been a drawcard for consumers and by allowing retailers to operate similarly to their interstate counterparts they can make the best use of this prime sales period.
“Previous concerns have been rectified through consultation with the South Australian Business Chamber and other industry bodies. We called for a fix to the issue of shops being shut for an extended period when more than one public holiday falls on a weekend. We are pleased to see this amendment included in the bill and passed through the Upper House.
“We look forward to the smooth passage of this bill as it heads to the Lower House.”
