NSW trading laws force essential grocery and retail services to close on Anzac Day, while alcohol and gambling venues continue to operate. This policy undermines public health, community safety, and the true spirit of Anzac Day.

Anzac Day is a time for national reflection, respect, and remembrance. Yet in NSW, while essential grocery stores and retail services are closed, alcohol and gambling venues are allowed to open from early morning.

This sends a harmful message to our communities.

Alcohol is a known carcinogen and a major contributor to domestic violence, hospitalisations, and long-term societal harm. On Anzac Day, when support services are already limited, the decision to allow alcohol sales while restricting access to essential services puts vulnerable people at greater risk.

Safe community spaces like grocery stores and shopping centres can offer critical reprieve for those in unsafe home environments. Closing them entirely while keeping pubs and clubs open creates dangerous gaps in our social safety net.

It is time to evolve outdated traditions that prioritise profits over people.

We respectfully call on the NSW Government to:

1. Allow grocery stores and essential retail outlets to operate on Anzac Day with limited hours
2. Restrict the sale of alcohol on Anzac Day, with service not permitted before 1pm
3. Prohibit standalone bottle shops linked to gambling venues from opening before 1pm
4. Promote public awareness campaigns about alcohol-related harms around days of national importance
5. Honour and respect are shown not only in ceremony but also in the choices we make to protect our communities.

We urge the government to update Anzac Day trading laws to better reflect the values of safety, dignity, and true community spirit.