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NSW is extending its Anzac Day retail trading ban to cover the entire day, hoping it will help encourage more people to commemorate veterans.
Restrictions on retailers, including supermarkets, previously ran until 1pm on the day — 25 April each year. They now won’t be lifted until midnight.
Retailers who have exemptions, such as cafes, restaurants, chemists and newsagencies, can continue to trade all day.
Retail trading restrictions vary across Australia’s jurisdictions. Western Australia is the only other state or territory to impose a total ban.
Victoria and Queensland allow trading from 1pm, Tasmania does from 12.30pm, and South Australia only allows it in the Adelaide CBD between 12pm and 5pm.
The ACT and the Northern Territory have no restrictions.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and RSL support the change
The NSW Returned and Services League (RSL) and the retail workers union back the ban, which Premier Chris Minns says is appropriate because of Anzac Day’s status as Australia’s most “solemn and significant” occasion.
“(We) 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.”
Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War One. Source: AAP / Darren England
RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge said the pastoral needs of veterans were too often overlooked.
“This is an opportunity for them to take time away from work on this special day to commemorate their service,” he said.
Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War One, in Gallipoli in 1915.
The day is marked by multiple traditions, including dawn and sunset services, veteran marches, and wreath-laying ceremonies.