State extends Anzac Day trading shutdown

Currently, retailers such as supermarkets and fashion outlets have to stay closed on April 25 until 1pm.

But the state government’s new changes will see them stay shut until midnight.

“As of next year, NSW will extend our retail trading restrictions across Anzac Day, to make sure our veterans are recognised and free to take part in services throughout the day,” Minns said.

“It might be inconvenient for a few hours, but closing our biggest corporate shops for a single day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy.”

Small businesses and others such as markets, cafes, chemists, newsagents, and takeaway stores, will not be affected by the change and can remain open.

The extended restrictions follow a government review that began last year.

Most submissions supported full-day restrictions, the government said.

“Too often, the pastoral needs of veterans, and the friends and families who support them, are overlooked,” RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge said.

“This is an opportunity for them to take time away from work on this special day to commemorate their service.”

The announcement coincided with this morning’s announcement that the NSW government will put $2 million towards a war memorial honouring veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The memorial will be finished by 2026 at The Domain in Sydney.