Easter trading unaffected in Gippsland East electorateIndependent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has received confirmation that East Gippsland and Wellington Shires will be exempt from trading restrictions over the Easter holiday period. By East Gippsland Shire Council - 28th March 2003 - Back to News Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has received confirmation that East Gippsland and Wellington Shires will be exempt from trading restrictions over the Easter holiday period.
Mr Ingram said it was essential that government allowed businesses to trade as normal over this busy holiday time.
"The Public Holidays and Shop Trading Reform Act (Amendment) was debated in State Parliament this week aimed at appointing Easter Saturday as a public holiday and to require that shops be closed on Easter Sunday," Mr Ingram said.
"I proposed an amendment to the Bill which would reduce paperwork for councils and give businesses in rural shires the opportunity to trade normally each year without having to apply for exemption.
"The State Government did not accept the amendments and I voted against the Bill with my Independent colleague, the Member for Mildura, Russell Savage.
"Through my discussions with the office of the Minister for Small Business, businesses in East Gippsland and Wellington shires were granted exemption and formal notification is expected to be given soon.
"We have many activities and events throughout the shires during the Easter period, which attract tens of thousands of visitors.
"I am pleased to have been able to support these businesses which now have the opportunity to trade during this busy time," Mr Ingram concluded.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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