New laws streamline and simplify Queensland retail trading hours

Published Thursday, 18 August, 2022 at 06:23 PM

Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing
The Honourable Grace Grace

Queensland’s retail trading hours have been further streamlined and simplified through new laws passed by Parliament today.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said the laws mean all recommendations made following an inquiry earlier this year will now be implemented.

“The Palaszczuk Government has always been committed to ensuring we strike the right balance between creating greater consumer choice, while providing protections for retail workers and certainty for retail businesses,” Ms Grace said.

“Before our reforms in 2017, there were almost 100 different trading hours zones across the state, and a range of anomalies that were confusing for both businesses and customers.

“I am proud that we stepped up to change that, and that the 5-year review from the Education, Employment and Training Committee from earlier this year shows those reforms have operated effectively, supporting businesses, consumers, and workers.

“The Committee did make some recommendations to further streamline and simplify trading hours arrangements, including set hours and limiting the number of trading hour areas, and these laws implement those recommendations in full.

“I want to thank all the Queenslanders from across the state who got in touch to share their views, and the Committee for their extensive work in this important area.”

The Trading (Allowable Hours) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 also clarifies the role of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) and enhances work protections for employees, so they freely choose whether to work extended trading hours.