SA shop trading hours: Legislation introduced to allow supermarkets to open early on Sunday

Legislation to change SA’s shop trading hours will be introduced to parliament today, meaning Sunday morning shopping could soon be on the cards.

Supermarkets could soon be allowed to open two hours earlier on Sunday, under new Labor government legislation to be introduced to parliament on Thursday.

It follows a three-week targeted consultation period, which sought the views of key industry groups including business associations and trade unions.

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The Shop Trading Hours (Extension of Hours) Amendment Bill, which was flagged before this year’s state election, means stores would be able to open on Sunday mornings from 9am, rather than 11am.

It would also add structure around the shop trading hours regimen on public holidays, including Boxing Day. Currently, traders can open from 11am on Boxing Day except when it falls on a Saturday, which does not have a legislative time for opening.

Under changes made following the consultation period, the legislation would also limit ministerial exemption powers to restrict the former Liberal government’s practice of issuing widespread blanket exemptions, which the government said was “inconsistent with legislation”.

It will also allow extended midnight trading on Black Friday, as well as the three days in the lead-up to Christmas each year.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the changes would deliver “certainty for shoppers as we head into the busy Christmas shopping period”.

“This is sensible shop trading hours reform which strikes the right balance for workers, local small businesses and shoppers,” he said.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher said legislation would look to make those trading restrictions clearer.

“The Malinauskas Labor government is delivering on its promise to extend Sunday shopping hours,” he said.“I urge the Liberal Opposition to support the Bill so it can become law as soon as possible.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas at Drakes Supermarket in Wayville. Picture: Riley Walter

When the changes were first announced by the government last month, the legislation was also supported by the Australian Retailers Association who said it would update SA’s “outdated” trading hour regime.

“The 11am opening time on Sundays only serves as a handbrake on the state’s economy. Moving this time forward to 9am is a welcome improvement and brings South Australia in line with other jurisdictions,” ARA CEO Paul Zahra said.

Drakes Supermarkets operator John-Paul Drake said he “100 per cent” backed the policy, saying it would create more employment opportunities within the sector.

“We employ more people and they’re going to get more hours, so it’s a win-win for everyone,” Mr Drake said.

“There’s no doubt (demand) is there … we have line-ups at 11am every Sunday.”