By Matthew Sims
Deciding whether it is worth staying open during the two upcoming public holidays will be a “difficult” decision for businesses within Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, according to industry leaders.
A National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty The Queen will be observed in Victoria on Thursday, 22 September.
Announced by the federal government on September 11, the national holiday will take place the day before the AFL Grand Final public holiday on Friday, September 23.
West Footscray Traders Association president Pradeep Tiwari said having two public holidays in a row will place extra pressure on local small businesses.
“With the small businesses everywhere, it will always be difficult with a public holiday with such short notice to come up,” he said.
“Many businesses are choosing to close because not only of the public holiday, but also school holidays would have begun and many families go away.
“We would like to request community to support those businesses who chose to stay open on the day.”
Australian Industry Group Victorian head Tim Piper said while he supported the National Day of Mourning, he questioned the need for an annual AFL Grand Final public holiday.
“We’re not against the public holiday, it is acceptable for a monarch that has been ruling over Australia for 70 years,” he said.
“Why do we need a ‘Footy Friday’?
“We’re not going to get rid of it this year, accept it, but why do we need to continue with it?”
Mr Piper said the two public holidays will be “costly” for businesses within the service sector.
“You’re going to have two days in a row of public holiday rates, so the service sector will be hit,” he said.
“For the non-service sectors…they will have to decide whether to close and not pay their penalty rates, or whether to open and pay the penalty rates.
“People will already have their plans and budgets in order.”
