The NSW Parliament’s permanently has enshrined trading on December 26.
CEO of The National Retail Association, Dominique Lamb said the laws approved by State Parliament would create additional jobs and economic activity across NSW, rather than restricting the benefits to the Sydney CBD as has been the case in the past.
"We know from our experience elsewhere in the country that Boxing Day is the most popular trading day of the year, but for some reason the clear majority of NSW was forced to close until 2015,” Ms Lamb said.
“Prior to the two-year trial that began in 2015, only a select few retail stores in the Sydney CBD and Bondi could trade on Boxing Day.
“With the success of the trial trading hours for the last two Boxing Days, it was inevitable that consumers and business owners would want to see that made into a permanent fixture.
“We’re very pleased that the Government has decided to move in that direction, and that the Parliament supported them.”
Ms Lamb said the NRA was confident that retail workers would be properly compensated for working on Boxing Day, with penalty rates pushing their pay to 250 per cent of the normal rate.
“We also note that the legislation safeguards a worker’s right to choose whether he or she works, and protects staff from being coerced into working against their will.
“This is a sensible balance between the needs of workers, business owners and shoppers, and the NRA commends the NSW Government on listening to all affected parties and coming up with the right solution.”
The National Retail Association is Australia’s largest and most representative retail industry association.
