The Attorney-General’s Department has drafted new legislation to allow trading on Sundays from 9am, instead of 11.
The Shop Trading Hours (Extension of Hours) Amendment Bill 2022 is also expected to lock in trading on Boxing Day across Adelaide.
Attorney-General, Kyam Maher said the drafting of legislation marked a big step forward on delivering shop trading reform which struck the right balance for workers, small businesses and shoppers.
“Currently, only shops in the central business district may open on Boxing Day, trading from 11am to 5pm (except if Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in which case shops may open earlier),” Mr Maher said.
“The legislation will allow shopping centres across metropolitan Adelaide to trade on Boxing Day from 9am to 5pm.”
Premier, Peter Malinauskas described the reforms as “sensible … it strikes the right balance for workers, local small businesses and shoppers”.
“This is an idea I put forward while in Opposition, which was regrettably rejected by the former Government,” Mr Malinauskas said.
Mr Maher hoped the legislation would secure bi-partisan support from the Opposition “so we can secure its passage as soon as possible”.
The Government will now undertake a three-week consultation period, before introducing the legislation in the first sitting week when Parliament resumes.
