Boxing Day bonus: Extra public holiday declared for Territorians in 2020

THE NT government’s decision to declare Boxing Day a public holiday has taken Territory hospitality venues by surprise, with the move cementing the decision of some to shut over the Christmas period due to staffing costs.

Bardot Style Assistants Katina Vazanelli, left, and Eleni Lymberis during the Boxing Day Sales last year at Casuarina Square. Picture: Glenn Campbell

THE NT government’s decision to declare Boxing Day a public holiday has taken Territory hospitality venues by surprise, with the move cementing the decision of some to shut over the Christmas period due to staffing costs.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner on Friday revealed the government would move to declare this Boxing Day, which falls on a Saturday, a public holiday to bring the NT in line with a majority of jurisdictions.

He also announced two new grants programs to help struggling small businesses, particularly not-for-profit tourism outfits.

Mr Gunner said the public holiday was about giving workers, who sacrifice their time with family during the holiday season, a “fair go” and to recognise that it’s been a tough year for them.

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This means workers will be paid penalty rates on Boxing Day on top of Christmas Eve evening, Christmas, and Monday December 28.

The union representing retail and hospitality staff, the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association, was quick to applaud the government on the decision.

But business groups, including Hospitality NT, were surprised by the sudden announcement.

Hospitality NT boss Alex Bruce said increasing costs to open over the Christmas period would result in less hours for staff and less venues open for customers.

It’s also expected permanent staff on fixed salaries will be the ones to cover Boxing Day shifts in a bid to save costs incurred on penalty rates.

“Cafes and restaurants are where the public will see the biggest impact, with many now considering staying closed between Christmas Day and Tuesday 29th December,” he said.

Chamber of Commerce chief operating officer Nicole Walsh said the decision would impact business for many, and it may be the decider of whether to open or not for some.

“Alternative methods may be implemented to cover the increase of wages, such as a surcharge or reduced hours or service delivery,” she said.

The CLP were less restrained in their criticism, slamming the “snap decision” as a typical “kneejerk move from an administration with a track record of undermining business confidence”.

But marketing manager Carly Balding, from Shenanningans Irish Pub, said the watering hole didn’t mind paying staff a little bit extra considering their efforts this year.

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She said this month had been the busiest November the pub had ever experienced, with more than 150 bookings already secured for Boxing Day.

Two new grants programs aimed at struggling small businesses and not-for-profit tourism organisations will open on December 15, offering one-off payments worth between $200 and $20000 depending on the number of full-time staff employed.

Conditions include the ability to demonstrate a minimum of 50 per cent reduction in turnover experienced in October 2020 compared to the same time last year and must be actively trading with an annual turnover of at least $75,000 and less than $10m.

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