The National Retail Association has welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s decision to defer changing the Labour Day holiday until next year, saying it provided welcome certainty for businesses.
CEO Trevor Evans said while the Government had a mandate to reinstate Labour Day in May, the decision not to rush the change for this year was a sensible one.
“The NRA had two concerns about changing this holiday,” Mr Evans said. “Firstly we were concerned that it would be additional to rather than in place of the October holiday, as happened under the Bligh Government.
“And secondly, we were worried about the impact on business that would have been caused by a sudden change to the gazetted public holidays. Many businesses will have already issued their rosters for May, and would have been forced to reassess their arrangements.
“We are grateful that the new Queensland Government has listened to businesses and made the sensible decision to defer its promised changed until next year.
“All governments need to remember that businesses thrive in an environment of certainty and stability. This is the most important factor for growth, prosperity and creating more jobs.”
The NRA is Australia’s largest and most diverse retail industry organisation, and has been representing the interests of the retail, fast food and broader service sector for almost 100 years.
Media Contact: Phone the NRA media team on (07) 3240 0163