Queensland avoids Christmas lockout

shopping, retail, emporium, centreThe Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) has permitted a one-off amendment which will allow regional Queensland retailers to open on the gazetted Boxing Day public holiday.

Due to a quirk in this year’s holiday dates, major retailers in regional areas including Mount Isa, Ingham, Warwick, Goondiwindi, Longreach, Roma and Stanthorpe, had been set to be denied the ability to trade for four consecutive days over the 2015 Christmas period – December 25, 26, 27 and 28.

The situation had arisen as a result of the gazettal of the extra public holiday on Monday, 28 December when Boxing Day was due to fall on Saturday, 26 December. Prevailing trading hours arrangements, prevent major retailers in regional Queensland from trading on Sundays and public holidays.

NRA CEO, Trevor Evans, said there was always high levels of consumer demand on Christmas Eve, and that the regions were expecting the same on Tuesday December 29.

“That level of demand brings with it enormous congestion both inside and outside stores for shoppers, staff, and motorists, and creates unnecessary delays and inconvenience,” said Evans.

Evans praised the QIRC for its decision, which would also help to reduce the high level of spoilage experienced by retailers during closures of any more than two days.

“Long closures make it unworkable for certain perishable items that carry limited shelf life and make it difficult for supermarket managers to ensure the shelves are stocked for the onslaught of customers when the shops reopen,” said Evans. “It’s also good news for non-food stores and regional shopping centres, who will now be in a better position to cater to consumers who may have otherwise headed to larger town centres for post-Christmas sales, simply because their own stores were closed.”

The amendment coincides with the NRA’s push to simplify Queensland’s trading hours, by implementing standardised 0700-2100 operating hours.

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