MGA Independent Businesses Australia has strongly opposed the decision by Queensland councils at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Conference this week to push for grocery and other retail stores to trade until midnight.

MGA Chief Executive Martin Stirling said the proposal would undermine the long-term viability of small, family-owned retailers.

“Family-run stores form the backbone of their communities – they provide employment, support local suppliers, and offer a level of service that large chains cannot replicate,” Mr Stirling said.

“Extending trading hours to midnight for all retailers is unnecessary and destructive. With all the other pressures small retailers are facing, the last thing they need is a major threat to business sustainability.”

MGA represents thousands of independent supermarkets and liquor stores across Australia, including family run stores operating in Queensland. Many of these businesses already trade strategically, aligning their hours with community needs and maintaining a competitive point of difference.

“Independent retailers make significant contributions to their communities by supporting local economies, jobs and community events,” Mr Stirling said.

“Queensland’s local governments often say they support small, family-owned and operated businesses. If those local governments mean what they say, they should not propose extended trading hours for all retailers.

“Independent retailers support consumer convenience, but blanket midnight trading will only damage the sustainability of local family-run stores. Any change to trading hours must protect and enhance small business viability – not undermine it.”

MGA is calling on the Queensland Government to not extend trading hours for all retailers and to continue to ensure that laws reflect the need to protect the viability of independent retailers in Queensland.