For Aussies, the Easter Weekend has long been a constant on the public holiday calendar… But it seems the commercial sector wants to bring the tradition to an end… This week more than 80 major retailers in NSW called for Easter Sunday trading to be allowed… While the government rejected the application, the push isn’t likely to go away. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) wants to see Easter trading rules relaxed right across Australia. Meanwhile, the TAB has decided to break its tradition and open for betting on Good Friday…
This week we spoke to Stephen O’Doherty – political commentator and former NSW Liberal MP – and Rod Benson, the spokesman for the NSW Council of Churches - about their views on the moves.
What are your thoughts on the idea of shops and the TAB opening on Easter Weekend?
• Given that many essential industries keep operating on Easter Sunday, should the retail sector also be free to trade? Especially since it benefits from increased income in holiday times when people like to get out and shop.
• What do you think of the TAB’s move to open for betting on Good Friday? Does one day of being closed even make a difference?
• Should we really expect the whole of society to stop and celebrate what is an occasion specific to one religion?
• Stopping and resting, time with the family – is this something you can force by legislation?
• Are you a retailer? If so what would you prefer - A compulsory holiday when you and your staff can have a day off? Or would you rather stay open and take advantage of the chance to attract more business?
