Boxing Day Trading Now Official In The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

The state government says Hunter retailers will face a hefty fine if they force their staff to work on Boxing Day.

Legislation to allow shops to open on December 26 across NSW was passed in state parliament late last night.

It follows a two year trial in the Hunter.

The Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association maintains there is no economic benefit to Boxing Day trading and workers should be free to enjoy the Christmas holidays with their families.

However, Premier Gladys Berejiklian says community feedback has shown overwhelming support for Boxing Day trading and only a handful of complaints.

Parliamentary Secretary For The Hunter, Scot MacDonald says safeguards have been included to ensure workers are not coerced into working on the traditional public holiday.

"(There are) fines of up to $11,000 for forcing any staff to work on Boxing Day and for large shopping areas that seem to force shops to open in their centres, fines of up to $22,000. We're also having the Industrial Relations Commission do an education campaign so that staff are aware that it is voluntary," he said.

 

Thumbs Up Given To Boxing Day Trading In The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

Boxing Day trading is set to continue in the Hunter after a two year trial.

The state government will introduce legislation to allow shops to open on December 26 each year.

In the past, shoppers had to travel to Port Stephens, Wyong or Sydney for the Boxing Day sales.

The government says strict sanctions will be put in place to ensure Hunter workers are not pressured into working on Boxing Day.

Boxing Day Trading Is Here To Stay In The Hunter

Lake Macquarie Councillor Calling to Cease Boxing Day Trading

BY SARAH JAMES

Last Monday Lake Macquarie councillors voted in a majority 9:3 supporting the decision to send a motion to the Local Government NSW annual conference calling for Boxing Day trading to be ceased.

Cr John Gilbert is leading the charge to keep shops closed on the day, saying the decision to trade unfairly impacts those who work in the hospitality and retail industries.

"Boxing Day trading is something where the people who are working are predominantly single parents and younger people who are students," he said.

"They feel compelled to have to work on Boxing Day because they're concerned about job security, and what's happening is that it's taking them away from their families and loved ones at Christmas time."

According to Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser this is only the first step in a long process. The Local Government conference will meet in December which will serve as an opportunity for all local councils to voice their opinion on the issue.

"Once we get a notice of motion...when that comes up for debate...that's when we will talk to the community about it. We haven't canvassed the community yet so it's very, very early stages," Mayor Fraser said. "We need to find out from the community and retail industry exactly their feelings on this issue."

Meanwhile, the Hunter Business Chamber has labelled the move to axe Boxing Day trading as 'impulsive'.

Councillor John Gilbert

Mayor Kay Fraser