All Victorian businesses will be able to trade on Easter Sunday under new laws to be introduced into parliament.   

Since 2003 a business with fewer than 20 employees, such as a milk bar, was allowed to open, while large department or variety stores were required to close.

Small Business Minister Louise Asher said the change would allow all businesses to trade on Easter Sunday regardless of employee numbers.   


‘‘This change provides absolute clarity and certainty for businesses and positions Victoria to generate millions of dollars in revenue from increased tourism and retail activity,’’ Ms Asher said.   

‘‘All businesses will now be able to capitalise on the influx of holiday-makers at this busy time of year and help to ensure Victoria is a tourist destination that meets international expectations.’   

Christmas Day, Good Friday and the morning of ANZAC Day will remain as non-trading days.

But the decision ignited debate on talk-back radio this morning, with many saying the changes were unneccessary and would further erode work-life balance.


comments so far

    Thats just fine for all these politicians to make these decisions, but what about us that actually work in these places and have no say in weather we work or not. Mr Ted Baillieu you can work my shift on that day. Amazing people can not handle shops being closed for a day.
    K | Melbourne - February 09, 2011, 11:30AM

    I don't understand why Louise Asher thinks shops need to open on Easter Sunday to ensure Victoria meets "international standards". I've been in New York, Barcelona and Moscow on various Easter Sundays and the majority of shops were closed. Whatever your religious beliefs, sometimes it's just nice to have a day off. I'm sure tourists could find something else to do...
    Holiday Bob - February 09, 2011, 11:29AM

    Money, money, money. Is that all that matters these days?
    Tony B | Sydney - February 09, 2011, 11:53AM

    Of course the Government wants to allow shops to open on Easter Sunday ...obviously 363 days of shopping is not enough ... and this from a government that stole public holidays last time they were in power... thieved in the night Show Day, Easter Tuesday and tried to steal Christmas and Boxing Day. Why would anyone be surprised by there latest actions? Does a leopard ever really change its spots?
    ceebee | Melbourne - February 09, 2011, 11:49AM

    24 hours hours
    7 days a week
    It's not the future it's now
    and your government just made you a part of it.
    djim | Sydney - February 09, 2011, 11:43AM

    It's not compulsary for shops to be open any day of the year, let alone Easter Sunday. Aside from a few days a year, shops have a choice as to when they open. I think forcing businesses to close on specific days is a bit weird and old fashioned.
    Wyn | Outer East - February 09, 2011, 11:43AM

    Oh c'mon people, what is this the dark ages? Stores should be allowed to open whenever they feel like it. Just because some religious holiday happens doesn't mean the world has to shut down. It should be up to individual businesses to determine if it's cost effective to open on a public holiday, having to pay staff double time should be enough discouragement to not do it unless there is demand for it, if the demand is there then it's pretty clear the people do want it.

Imcrook the days of 9-5 mon - fri have gone mate.

We work around the clock and 7 days per week these days in the global economy.

I work right up past midnight and on most weekends in the job I do - I get a set salary. I don't have penalty rates etc. Where is my additional amount?


You're living in the past.

We have enough work days we do not need more.

Quote:



I don't - and the vast majority of people who work don't.

We get $x per annum, % bonus per annum.

Whether its one day or seven days.

That's the reality of today's employment world.

Now in my grandfather's time, yes the majority would have been paid per hour (as he was).

I was told you didn't have a job?

Anyway, I work plenty of hours. some of them 14 hour days - now tell me where is my overtime?? 

If I went into my boss and asked for overtime for the hours I have done, it would take him 3 days to stop laughing.

Get out there and see how we do it in Finance Imcrook - you'd be stunned at the hours we do for no extra pay.

We do it, because we value our career.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 9^th, 2011 at 1:55pm:


Isn't the sector in question retail? And don't nearly all sale retail employees get paid by the other.

No problem with trade on Easter Sunday, if as mentioned, penalty rates are paid.

Jaykaye_09 wrote on Feb 9^th, 2011 at 3:23pm:



Not necessarily so mate.
You put in more hours, you get recognized, you get promoted etc

That's also the case for retail I suppose.

Though I did a stint at Marks & Spencers as a 16 year old once.
That lasted 2 weeks. 7am starts weren't me.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Feb 9^th, 2011 at 3:40pm:


Of course, but let's not pretend the majority of those working retail shifts, especially on those public holidays, aren't students (and other part timers) who don't intend to make a career of it.