Anzac Day trade ban for NSW

By Contributed

Jul 17, 2024

Retail trade will be banned on Anzac Day in NSW, giving the state some of the nation’s most restrictive rules in a move to counter the “creeping commercialism” of the date.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Most stores have been barred from opening until 1pm on the day, but the extended ban will keep retailers closed all day from 2025.

Premier Chris Minns said the inconvenience for shoppers would be a small price to pay to ensure Anzac Day remained an important commemorative date on the state’s calendar.

“We believe there’s been a creeping commercialism of Anzac Day over a long period of time to the detriment of the importance of the day,” he said on Wednesday.

“There’s many things that divide our communities in NSW and Australia, and the truth of the matter is Anzac Day is Australia’s national day.”

Retail trading restrictions vary across Australian states and territories, with only Western Australia having a total ban on Anzac Day shopping.

Victoria and Queensland allow trading from 1pm, while the ACT and the Northern Territory have no restrictions.

RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge said the decision would allow veterans and their families to attend commemorations together.

“It’s a great way to ensure we protect the sanctity of Anzac Day, our most important veterans’ day,” he said.

— AAP

By Contributed

Contributed content