ILLEGAL HOLIDAY TRADERS TO FACE CRACK DOWN
Published Wednesday, 04 April, 2007 at 05:15 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Queensland traders opening illegally on Anzac Day and Good Friday risk prosecution, Employment and Industrial Relations Minister John Mickel warned today.
Mr Mickel said trading laws had been reformed and liberalised in recent years and there was no need to intrude on days set aside for solemn remembrance and religious worship.
“Any shopping centre management thinking of asking their tenants to open on Anzac day before 1pm and any time on Good Friday better think again,” he said.
“Only exempt shops, such as newsagents, chemists, cafes, service stations, and bakeries, can open on Good Friday and on Anzac day before 1pm. Small food and grocery shops also can open.
“These are important days in the calendar of Queenslanders and have been made public holidays for a reason. That reason is not to make a buck at the checkout.
“Exempt shops are traditionally allowed to open and that will not change this Easter and Anzac Day.
“But other business will not be allowed to flaunt opening hour rules and trade anywhere in the state, city or country, tourist destination or not.”
Mr Mickel said inspectors from the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations will be monitoring the situation to ensure businesses and traders do the right thing.
“Workers need some time with their families and to spend some holiday time with their loved ones,” he said.
“Fair’s fair, shops are now open a lot more than they were a decade or so ago but we should keep some days at least partly free for family commitments.”
Reports of breaches can be made to the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations on 0419 725 014.
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Media contact: Elouise Campion (07) 3224 6784
April 4, 2007
Mr Mickel said trading laws had been reformed and liberalised in recent years and there was no need to intrude on days set aside for solemn remembrance and religious worship.
“Any shopping centre management thinking of asking their tenants to open on Anzac day before 1pm and any time on Good Friday better think again,” he said.
“Only exempt shops, such as newsagents, chemists, cafes, service stations, and bakeries, can open on Good Friday and on Anzac day before 1pm. Small food and grocery shops also can open.
“These are important days in the calendar of Queenslanders and have been made public holidays for a reason. That reason is not to make a buck at the checkout.
“Exempt shops are traditionally allowed to open and that will not change this Easter and Anzac Day.
“But other business will not be allowed to flaunt opening hour rules and trade anywhere in the state, city or country, tourist destination or not.”
Mr Mickel said inspectors from the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations will be monitoring the situation to ensure businesses and traders do the right thing.
“Workers need some time with their families and to spend some holiday time with their loved ones,” he said.
“Fair’s fair, shops are now open a lot more than they were a decade or so ago but we should keep some days at least partly free for family commitments.”
Reports of breaches can be made to the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations on 0419 725 014.
_________________________
Media contact: Elouise Campion (07) 3224 6784
April 4, 2007