Answers to Questions

Coronavirus

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS (24 March 2020).

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer): I have been provided the following advice:

1. The Shop Trading Hours Act 1977 (the act) enables me, as the responsible minister, to grant an exemption to the act on my own initiative for a period not exceeding 30 days.

On 19 March 2020, following the behaviours being evidenced in shops, in particular in shopping centres, with large numbers of people in small spaces trying to buy certain products, I announced an exemption to apply from 21 March to 19 April 2020 that gave retailers and customers greater choice and flexibility to help alleviate pressures faced as a result of the pandemic. This decision was supported by SA Health advice.

The exemption applied to all non-exempt shops in the Adelaide CBD and suburbs enabling them to trade during any hours on a weekday, between 12.00am to 9.00pm on a Saturday, and between 9.00am to 9.00pm on a Sunday.

The exemption enables consumers and staff to better practice social distancing by flattening out periods of peak demand. It also allows retailers to assist with supply of grocery stock and give supermarkets greater flexibility in relation to designated shopping times for elderly members of the community and people with a disability.

2. During the period of the exemption, retailers responded by using the increased flexibility to extend their trading hours. Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, some Drakes stores and other independent supermarkets have all availed themselves of the increased flexibility to extend their trading hours.

It should be noted that Coles' stores trading hours, which had initially been reduced at the outset of the pandemic, were subsequently increased, after I granted the exemption, until 10pm Monday to Friday and until 9pm on Saturday and Sunday.

A further exemption has now been granted for a further 30 days until 19 May 2020, whilst maintaining trading restrictions before 12 noon on ANZAC Day. This decision was supported by advice from SA Health.

Supermarkets and other shops continue to modify their business models, vary their opening hours and vary the level of restrictions in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their staff and customers and ensure the viability of their businesses. The ability for retailers to achieve this flexibility remains imperative and provides evidence of the value in such measures.

3. Throughout this pandemic, the Marshall Liberal government has always acted in accordance with the advice of the Chief Public Health Officer and SA Health. That health advice has been consistent on this issue – extending shop trading hours facilitates acceptable social distancing practices in shops.

In these unprecedented times, the government wants to make it as easy and safe as possible for South Australians to get the groceries they need, while giving supermarkets the flexibility they need to cater for increased consumer demand whilst supporting staff.