Business Hunter urged City of Newcastle councillors to support declaring a Local Event Day for the Newcastle Show in 2026 and 2027, saying it was a sensible compromise for the business community.
Councillors were due to consider on Tuesday night an application to the Minister for Industrial Relations for the proclamation of a Friday public holiday on the Show weekend for the next two years. The Show had been declared a Local Event Day in Newcastle since 2012, and Business Hunter said reintroducing a mandated public holiday would have an adverse impact on local businesses.
Business Hunter Chief Executive Officer, Bob Hawes said the organisation’s position reflected the costs and operational challenges associated with a public holiday.
“An additional public holiday comes at significant cost and inconvenience to businesses, staff and their customers, through staff payments, lost trading opportunities and interruptions to business operations and productivity,” Bob said.
“It also penalises casual staff, who miss the opportunity for a day’s paid work if their place of employment is closed, and customers of businesses that do open will often be hit with surcharges as those businesses seek to offset their additional costs.”
Bob said Business Hunter supported a Local Event Day as it provided employers flexibility to liaise with staff on any special leave arrangements.
“Business Hunter acknowledges the Newcastle Show contributes to the region’s visitor economy and has historical and social significance for the community,” Bob said.
“We believe a Local Event Day strikes the right balance between marking this significant event on the local calendar without imposing unnecessary additional pressure on businesses.
“We maintain the three-day duration of the Show, spanning the weekend and night sessions, provides ample opportunity for people to attend without the need for a public holiday to be declared.
“We note the Show has been reported in the media in recent years as having attracted strong crowds, according to organisers, which indicates patrons are accommodating Show visits within the existing arrangements.”
IMAGE | Previous Newcastle Show
