The Retail Council welcomes the Government’s election commitment to reform Boxing Day trading hours across NSW, but says legislation must be passed if consumers are to benefit in 2015.
Speaking at a breakfast hosted by the Western Sydney Business Chamber in Parramatta this week, Retail Council CEO Anna McPhee said continued commitment to pursue Boxing Day trading reform showed the Government had listened to businesses wanting to grow the economy and create jobs, particularly in western Sydney and regional areas such as the Illawarra and Hunter that are currently disadvantaged.
“The effect of current Boxing Day trading restrictions prevents popular shopping spots like Westfield Parramatta, Miranda, Castle Towers and regional centres such as Wollongong and Newcastle from opening, while stores in the [Sydney] CBD and Bondi Junction are open and thriving with retail activity,” she said.
“The patchwork of Boxing Day trading-hour limits restricts employment opportunities, disadvantages consumers and increases the cost of doing business, while Victorians have been able to shop on Boxing Day since 2011.”
Ms McPhee said Retail Council research suggested there was no shortage of staff willing to work on Boxing Day.
“Retail employees are able to choose whether they’re rostered on public holidays, and many that choose to work are students who are keen to earn some extra dollars for study, travel and entertainment,” she said.
“Achieving much-talked-about reform will be a step forward to remove red tape and encourage further employment, investment and growth in NSW.”