Grand Final holiday is here to stay despite financial hit

EXCLUSIVE: VICTORIA’S contentious AFL Grand Final public holiday is here to stay, with the Andrews government committing to the long-term future of the long weekend.

The 2015 Grand Final Parade travelling its new route through the streets of Melbourne. Wellington Parade during the parade. Picture: Alex Coppel.

VICTORIA’S contentious AFL Grand Final public holiday is here to stay, with the Andrews government committing to the long-term future of the long weekend.

Despite opposition from the business community, which says it costs almost $1 billion, the government has confirmed September 30 will be this year’s public holiday. Workplaces will shut down again next year, with the government guaranteeing the long weekend will return in 2017.

And — against the advice of ­industry experts — it has vowed to throw a three-day premiership party for as long as it is in power.

While the government trumpeted the success of last year’s holiday, which took Victoria’s annual tally of public days off to 13, it is yet to produce an economic impact statement measuring its success.

Small business, innovation and trade minister Philip Dalidakis said the government was committed to a public holiday on Grand Final eve.

“Grand Final Friday was created so hardworking Victorians can spend more quality time with family, friends and loved ones,’’ he said.

“We acknowledge that some business groups opposed the public holiday, however, there are no trading restrictions placed on the day so it is up to individual business owners and operators whether they choose to open or not.’’

But Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Mark Stone said businesses would suffer.

“We are extremely disappointed by this decision,’’ he said.

“Our surveys following last year’s holiday showed an overwhelming 87 per cent of businesses do not want to see this holiday repeated.’’

Australian Industry Group Victorian boss Tim Piper said the holiday would cost businesses that closed $15,800 on average and those staying open about $6700 in extra wages. He urged the government to at least consider the merits on a year-by-year basis.

“I think the government is being shortsighted by continuing with a public holiday that is seen as superfluous,’’ he said.

“It’s a holiday that is seen by regional people as being very Melbourne-centric; it’s very costly to business and it’s not something that the economy can easily afford.’’

The government believes spending in Melbourne was up at least $6 million last Grand Final weekend, with at least 15,000 West Coast Eagles fans in town. Hotel bookings were at 96 per cent capacity — up more than 14 per cent on 2014.

Footy fans voted with their feet last year, with an estimated 150,000 packing the CBD to cheer Hawks and Eagles players along a re-routed Grand Final parade to the MCG.

Despite fears the city would be a ghost town, suits were swapped for footy scarves, and cafes, bars and restaurants did a roaring trade.

David Jones, Myer and Bunnings continued trading and regional holiday hot spots such as the Great Ocean Rd, the Grampians and the Bellarine Peninsula reported high visitor numbers.

Mr Dalidakis said: “We look forward to this year being bigger and better.’’

Bur Mr Stone said: “It comes as a serious cost to employers, and is a major deterrent to employing more people and creating jobs.”

HERALD SUN SAYS: It’s an expensive holiday

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