Anthony Albanese dismisses concerns one-off public holiday could cause havoc for Sydney businesses

The Prime Minister has stood firm on his decision to hold the National Day of Mourning on Thursday as unease reigns among Sydney businesses.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has doubled down on his decision to hold a one-off public holiday next Thursday saying common sense will prevail as small business groups scramble for answers over what the Queen’s National Day of Mourning public holiday will mean.

Mr Albanese also clarified essential services would be open after the nation’s surgeons voiced concerns about what it means for critical operations scheduled that day.

“It is appropriate that this is a one-off, one in a 70-year event. It is important that we acknowledge the contribution of Queen Elizabeth II over such a long period of time,” he told 2GB’s Ben Fordham.

“These issues, with a bit of common sense, can be worked through. If someone needs chemotherapy on that specific day of course they should receive it.

“On the day, if you’re a small-business owner in hospitality, there will be an enormous amount of activity on that day, I would imagine.”

A view of the Tribute to the Queen at Government House in Sydney, where hundreds of bouquets of flowers lay. Picture: NCA Newswire /Gaye Gerard

The Prime Minister reiterated that the date had been chosen according the “protocols that have been in place for decades”, which dictate the event shall be held the day after he returns home from the UK with the Governor-General.

It comes after Australian Retailers Association chief executive Paul Zahra called on the states and territories to clarify trading conditions for Thursday September 22.

“Store opening and closing directions are typically established by the states and territories, and we look forward to their direction today so retailers can plan accordingly,” he said.

“Nevertheless, this event will create some complications for businesses with store closures and staff scheduling challenges, with many rosters set up weeks in advance. There will also be a small but unexpected loss of trade, and additional staffing costs, which may impact cashflows for small businesses.”

Across the nation’s hospitals it is not known if vital surgeries will be cancelled.

Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra is calling for clarification. Picture: David Swift

The NSW Government is expected to release more details about the holiday once they work through the logistics.

Meanwhile surgeons and doctors across the country have taken to social media to express concern for their patients who have surgery booked in for September 22.

“We have 60 plus patients booked in our cancer clinic in the morning. I have 8 patients booked for theatre. Every single patient has waited weeks to months their medical care,” surgeon Dr Eric Levi said on social media.

Meanwhile restaurant owners are weighing up whether or not they should open because the public holiday decision means they could be trade at a loss as staff must be paid at 225 per cent of their normal hourly wage.

Bill Drakopoulos, owner of restaurants including Ripples Chowder Bay. Photo: Monique Harmer

Ripples at Chowder Bay. Mr Drakopoulos is concerned the holiday will force his businesses to run at a loss. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

One Sydney restaurateur said: “It makes it cost prohibitive to open. You can offset it by charging a 10 per cent surcharge, but it still costs you a lot of money.”

Restaurant owner Bill Drakopoulos who owns a number of restaurants including Aqua Dining and Ripples Chowder Bay said he expected the requirement to pay penalty rates would mean many businesses would run at a loss.

“We will have to pay public holiday rates, we will trade but it will only be worthwhile if we’re busy,” he said.

“We will close our city cafes but our restaurants will be open.

“Some businesses will make a loss … Public holidays are expensive days to trade.”