The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed the South Australian Government’s move towards extending Sunday trading hours, saying the proposed legislation will deliver benefits for retailers across the state.
The proposed legislation will enact amendments that permit shops in Adelaide to open from 9am on Sundays, adding an extra two hours for retailers to trade.
It will also confirm Boxing Day trading hours for stores across metropolitan Adelaide, which will be allowed to open from 9am to 5pm.
Currently, only shops in the CBD may open on Boxing Day, trading from 11am to 5pm (except if Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, in which case shops may open earlier).
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said that while the change is small in scope, it represents progress in modernising South Australia’s outdated trading hour regime.
“[The] action by the South Australian government represents solid progress given the hurdles other reform attempts have failed to clear,” Zahra said.
“[It] sets the parliamentary process in motion, which is a positive step for retailers and their teams and for customers who will equally benefit from extended trading on Sundays.
“There’s no logic to retaining the 11am opening time on Sundays, which only acts to be a handbrake on the South Australian economy – particularly during this critical time in our recovery.
“Moving to a 9am open time is a welcome improvement.”
Speaking on the reform bill, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said it was an idea he put forward when in opposition, “which was regrettably rejected by the former government.”
“This is sensible shop trading hours reform which strikes the right balance for workers, local small businesses and shoppers,” Malinauskas said.
“These reforms will allow South Australians to shop from 9am on Sundays, instead of waiting until 11am.”
Attorney-General of South Australia Kyam Mahr also welcomed the move, hoping it will pass through the parliament soon.
“I trust this legislation will help deliver certainty for shoppers, workers and businesses about the trading landscape in South Australia going forward,” Mahr said.
“I hope this legislation can secure bi-partisan support from the Liberal Opposition so we can secure its passage as soon as possible.”
The SA government is expected to introduce the legislation in the first sitting week when Parliament resumes.