Penalty rates raise issues for Townsville show holiday

Despite the Townsville Show being cancelled the associated public holiday is still expected to go ahead, raising concerns it could be another blow businesses battling COVID-19 restrictions don’t need.

Businesses that choose to open on the Townsville Annual Show holiday, even though the Show has been cancelled, will have to pay staff penalty rates. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Despite the Townsville Show being cancelled the associated public holiday is still expected to go ahead, raising concerns it could be another blow businesses battling COVID-19 restrictions don’t need.

Businesses that choose to open on the Townsville Annual Show holiday on July 6 will have to pay staff penalty rates.

With many shops still shut or operating under reduced hours, the extra hourly rates could be detrimental.

Concerns of Townsville Annual Show holiday come as Brisbane’s Exhibition Wednesday holiday was moved to Friday, August 14.

“For one year only, People’s Day will become the People’s Long Weekend,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“The Ekka’s been the time when the country comes to the city. This year I call on all of us in the city to go to the bush or the beach for a break to support tourism and our regions.”

The State Government is offering other councils to change their show holidays.

Originally published as Penalty rates raise issues for Townsville show holiday