00:00Retail traders like supermarkets and major fashion stores were required to close until
00:061pm on April 25.
00:09This was designed so that employees would have the opportunity to attend commemorative
00:13events like Anzac Day marches and dawn services.
00:17There were exemptions for small businesses like cafes, pharmacies and news agencies which
00:22could operate at whichever they choose.
00:25But today the NSW Government has made a new ruling.
00:29Supermarkets and major fashion stores will no longer be able to open after 1pm.
00:34In fact they'll have to be closed for the full 24 hours.
00:37The Government says a review into Anzac Day trade restriction last year found a majority
00:42of people supported a full day closure as a way of better recognising Australia's ex-servicemen
00:48and women.
00:49Premier Chris Mins says the change will allow employees the opportunity to attend commemorative
00:54events which aren't always taking place in the morning anymore.
00:58We believe there's been a commercialisation, a creeping commercialisation of Anzac Day
01:03over a prolonged period of time to the detriment of the importance of the day.
01:09There's many things that divide up our community in NSW and Australia and the truth of the
01:14matter is the nation's national day is Anzac Day.
01:18The Government says a full day closure of retail stores on Anzac Day will bring NSW
01:23up to speed with some other Australian states.
01:26This has been met with the support of the Shop and Warehouse Workers Union who say
01:30they have long advocated for this change.
01:32But the Australian Retailers Association has offered a statement of concern.
01:37I'm here at Sydney's CBD Cenotaph speaking to people of their thoughts and feelings and
01:42here's what they had to say.
01:43I think it should be, out of respect for our veterans.
01:47My father was in World War II and I come to here and march for my father, there's nobody
01:52left anymore and I think everybody should stay out of the shops.
01:55I think the shops are open long enough, they don't need to be open any further.
01:59Seven days a week and if people can't show one day respect, well what's left?
02:05So it's going to send a message out there that everyone should be out there, you know,
02:10using this time for that reason.
02:12This change is one of two announcements the Government has made in relation to Australia's
02:17wartime history.
02:18A new memorial dedicated to honouring those who served in the Middle East like Iraq and
02:24Afghanistan will be built in the Domain in Sydney's CBD.
02:29It's the site of Sydney's first ANZAC Day service in 1916.
02:34The NSW RSL President Mick Bainbridge says $2 million has been allocated to the memorial
02:40and that there will be an extensive consultation with the veteran community to ensure that
02:45it meets their needs.
02:46For RSL NSW we're very happy about the decision because it will allow our members, our veterans
02:53and their families to attend commemorations in Sydney and be with their families during
02:59those times.
03:00A full day closure of supermarkets and major fashion stores on ANZAC Day will take effect
03:06next year.
03:07Small businesses like cafes, news agencies and pharmacies that I mentioned before will
03:12still have those same exemptions.
03:14And for those wondering about their annual game of two-up, well pubs and clubs are exempt
03:18from this new ruling as well so that will still be in place.
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