Published Sunday, 22 April, 2007 at 08:00 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
ILLEGAL HOLIDAY TRADERS TO FACE CRACK DOWN
Queensland Traders opening illegally on Anzac Day 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.
He said some traders pleaded ignorance at Easter about which stores could trade but the issue had since been widely publicised and there could be no excuses for any breaches.
“Any shopping centre management thinking of asking their tenants to open illegally on Anzac day before 1pm better think again,” he said.
“Only exempt shops, such as newsagents, chemists, cafes, service stations, and bakeries, can open on Anzac day before 1pm. Small food and grocery shops also can open.”
Mr Mickel said Australian values demanded Anzac Day not be just another normal trading day.
He also warned restaurant owners to do the right thing and pass on any surcharges they were imposing on diners on to their workers – if in fact they were being used to meet their obligations under industrial agreements.
Employees believing they had been unfairly treated with regard to pay on Anzac Day could telephone the Fair Go Queensland Advisory Service on 1300 737 841 for information.
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Media Contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
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.
He said some traders pleaded ignorance at Easter about which stores could trade but the issue had since been widely publicised and there could be no excuses for any breaches.
“Any shopping centre management thinking of asking their tenants to open illegally on Anzac day before 1pm better think again,” he said.
“Only exempt shops, such as newsagents, chemists, cafes, service stations, and bakeries, can open on Anzac day before 1pm. Small food and grocery shops also can open.”
Mr Mickel said Australian values demanded Anzac Day not be just another normal trading day.
He also warned restaurant owners to do the right thing and pass on any surcharges they were imposing on diners on to their workers – if in fact they were being used to meet their obligations under industrial agreements.
Employees believing they had been unfairly treated with regard to pay on Anzac Day could telephone the Fair Go Queensland Advisory Service on 1300 737 841 for information.
_______________________________________
Media Contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784