Easter trading should not be restricted: IngramIndependent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, is proposing an amendment to the Public Holidays and Shop Trading Reform Act. By Craig Ingram - 25th March 2003 - Back to News Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, is proposing an amendment to the Public Holidays and Shop Trading Reform Act to allow East Gippsland businesses to trade normally over the Easter period.
"The Public Holidays and Shop Trading Reform Act (Amendment) will be debated in State Parliament this week aimed at appointing Easter Saturday as a public holiday and to generally require that shops be closed on Easter Sunday," Mr Ingram said.
"East Gippsland Shire Council has asked the Minister for Small Business for an exemption, which I have supported.
"But I believe the shire should not have to apply year after year.
"I have spoken to many local businesses that will be affected by these changes during a very busy time of the year.
"The proposed amendments will allow shires in key tourist areas such as ours to seek permanent exemption.
"We have many activities and events throughout the shire during the Easter period, which attract tens of thousands of visitors. "I believe businesses should have the option to stay open and take advantage of this influx if they so desire," Mr Ingram said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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