We would like to submit our objection to your Holiday Amendment Bill 1999.

Most of our members are retailers operating businesses from local shopping centres to the major malls. They consider 31 December as one of their busy and peak periods. This is one of the few moments when they can make some money and recover costs.

To declare a public holiday from midday would not be fair to all the small business in the ACT. This would prove that you and the Labor Party do not care nor support small business at all.

Staff is paid normal pay of rates till closing time and now they will now have to be paid double time and a half. This would cause another burden to the business owners who are trying to make ends meet.

We therefore ask for your assistance in withdrawing this legislation.

If you would like further consultation in this matter please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Manuel Xyrakis

President

Canberra Small Business Council