Business Victor Harbor (BVH) welcomes Premier Peter Malinauskas’ announcement that South Australians will not be granted a public holiday if the Matildas win the World Cup. BVH supports the Premier’s decision to allocate $18 million into women’s and girls’ sporting infrastructure instead.
Premier Malinauskas acknowledged the significant cost to taxpayers for a public holiday, stating that this amount could be better utilised to support grassroots women’s sports. The government plans to allocate $10 million of the funds to Football Federation South Australia for the development of women’s and girls’ soccer.
BVH Chairperson Michael Schubert applauded the Premier for his foresight in recognising the industrial implications and economic impact of a special day off. “We understand the importance of celebrating the Matildas’ potential victory, but we must also consider the long-term effects on our local businesses,” said Mr. Schubert.
Small businesses have expressed concerns about the financial strain and viability of operating under penalty rates of 250 percent on a public holiday. BVH fully supports the Premier’s decision to prioritise investment in women’s sports infrastructure over a one-off celebration.
“We believe that there are alternative ways to honor the achievements of the Matildas without imposing undue burdens on our small businesses,” Mr. Schubert continued. “Investing in women’s sports infrastructure will create a lasting legacy and provide opportunities for future generations of athletes.”
The decision by Premier Malinauskas aligns with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ cautious approach, as he also refrains from committing to a public holiday unless the Matildas emerge victorious. However, NSW Premier Chris Minns has publicly endorsed the proposal for a public holiday in the event of a Matildas World Cup victory.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intends to raise the topic of a potential public holiday during the national cabinet meeting today,
Mr Albanese on Saturday dismissed small business concerns about an “unprofitable” public holiday, arguing such an event would be good for the economy, with the same concerns raised before the one-off public holiday last year after Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
“Some said that was something that would cause economic disruption. What that did, of course, was lead to increased economic activity in a whole lot of businesses, particularly small businesses, and it actually benefited a whole range of those businesses,” Mr Albanese said.
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