SA’s shop trading hours ticking backward

Posted on: 05 October 2023

While the clocks might have jumped forward this long weekend, South Australia is still stuck in the past when it comes to shop trading hours – with many suburban stores unable to operate this Labour Day.

Labor’s backwards approach to retail trading on public holidays not only means mass confusion for customers, but that businesses and workers miss out on the opportunity to trade and earn during the cost of living crisis.

The Business Council of Australia recently ranked South Australia as the equal worst state or territory in the country when it comes to restrictive retail trading hours.

In South Australia shops can only trade today if they are:

• NOT located in the Greater Adelaide Shopping District or a Proclaimed Shopping District

 

• ARE located in the Greater Adelaide Shopping District or a Proclaimed Shopping District and:
  • Have a retail floor area not exceeding 200m² or not exceeding 400m² if a supermarket/grocery store.
  • Have an adjacent or adjoining storage area no bigger than half the shop's retail floor area.

Shadow Treasurer, Matt Cowdrey, said while the Opposition is not in favour of full deregulation, there needs to be a sensible balance when it comes to retail trading on public holidays.

“South Australia should be evolving with the times when it comes shopping hours, but Peter Malinauskas is sucking the life out of our economy,” Mr Cowdrey said.

“While we don’t think all stores should be open right around the clock, there needs to be a sensible compromise and we believe opening on public holidays - except for Anzac Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day - should be left up to personal choice.

“We have the equal worst restrictive trading hours in the country, which means fewer opportunities for local businesses to trade and meet the needs of their customers.

“It’s time to step into the future with a modern approach that supports South Australian businesses and benefits customers.”