‘Let the people decide once and for all’: State’s plan for referendum to extend shop trading hours

One state government is proposing the public vote on extending ‘outdated’ trading hours, holding its first referendum in 30 years.

The South Australian government is proposing the public vote at the next election if they want trading hours extended. Picture: The Advertiser/Morgan Sette

The South Australian government has proposed a referendum for the first time in 30 years, this time to authorise extended shopping hours.

South Australians would be able to vote on deregulating trading hours, allowing merchants to trade for as long as they like.

The “long-awaited” referendum will be the tenth in the state’s history.

Treasurer Rob Lucas said the move was “bold but necessary” to ensure the public’s wants were met.

“Now is the time to let the people decide, once and for all, whether they want the freedom to shop, trade and work when and where they choose without our confusing, outdated laws stopping them,” he said.

“We know that sensible shop trading hours reform has overwhelming public support.”

The state government is proposing the public vote at the next election if they want trading hours extended. Picture: The Advertiser/Morgan Sette

The Referendum (Retail Trading) Bill 2021 together with the Retail Trading Bill 2021 will be introduced to parliament this week.

With parliament’s approval, voters at the next state election in March will be asked: “Do you approve the Retail Trading Bill 2021?”

If a majority vote ‘yes’, the bill will be binding, regardless of which party wins the election.

Mr Lucas said it was the same way past referendums were held, for example when the state voted in favour of daylight savings in 1982.

The bill to deregulate trading hours will be introduced to parliament this week. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette

He said the “urgent” reform was critical to support local businesses hit by COVID-19.

“The rise of online shopping, flexible work hours and working-from-home arrangements demand our laws keep up with the changing times and reflect the modern society in which we live.

“There was a time when Sunday trading was banned and the Act even restricted when you could buy red meat or even get a haircut – all that inevitably changed.

“The reality is our businesses are desperately trying to keep up with changing consumer needs and expectations, but our existing laws are a practical and economic handbrake.”

The most recent referendum held in South Australia was in 1991 when the Constitution (Electoral Redistribution) Amendment Bill was approved.