Easter Sunday trading permitted

An amendment to the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996 (Vic) received Royal Assent on 29 March 2011, allowing trading on Easter Sundays. The amendment comes into effect 30 March 2011, thereby enabling Easter Sunday trade in 2011 and thereafter.

The amending act to the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996 is the Shop Trading Reform Amendment (Easter Sunday) Act No 3 of 2011.  The amendment was opposed by the Australian Labor Party but was passed on party lines. 

The Easter Sunday trading ban was introduced by the former Labor Government as part of its industrial relations policy in 2003. Lifting the ban will allow businesses to take advantage of high tourist numbers during the busy Easter period, especially businesses in regional areas.

Christmas Day, Good Friday and from midnight until 1pm on ANZAC Day will remain non-trading days.