South Aussie Retail Workers finally get their say on retail trading hours

The SDA – the state’s largest union – welcomes the beginning of the State Government’s consultation on South Australia’s shop trading hours.

Unlike the previous government, the Labor Government has shown a willingness to consult with and consider the views of South Australian workers and businesses.

A consultative Government is an effective Government.

With changes to Sunday and public holiday trading flagged,  the SDA is seeking to ensure that the interests of retail workers are heard loud and clear and that our trading hours continue to get the balance right for all South Australians.

Shop trading hours should not be based on the vested interests of interstate and overseas retail giants.

It should be about giving our local businesses the opportunity to thrive, about giving enough time to customers to shop and about giving retail workers the time off they deserve on weekends and public holidays.

The SDA looks forward to working collaboratively with the government and the South Aussie business sector to ensure the best outcomes for all South Australians. 

Quotes attributable to SDA Secretary Josh Peak:

“Our shop trading hours act should be about putting South Australians first.”


“For us, this consultation is about protecting retail workers’ right to be treated with respect, to have a fair roster and to have public holidays off.”

“From the mums and dads, aunties and uncles, sons and daughters at the checkout to our independent supermarkets to the local florist and local butcher – it’s crucial their voices are heard on this issue.”

“Our shop trading hours are one of the reasons we have the most diverse and most competitive supermarket sectors in Australia and this must be safeguarded.”

“The SDA has always been and continues to be open to common-sense trading hours reforms that are based on what’s best for the sector and retail workers.”