Both of Millicent’s regulated shops have declined the unique opportunity to trade 
on the public holiday for Australia Day tomorrow.

The Woolworths and Fosters Foodland supermarket will close at 6pm tonight and reopen just after dawn on Thursday.

The decision means Millicent will retain its unique shopping status in South Australia.

In a first for South Australia, Treasurer Rob Lucas has granted special exemptions under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1977 to allow all shops – regardless of their size or location – to trade on Australia Day to enable shoppers to make the most of the national holiday.

“If shoppers want to shop, traders want to trade and workers want to work they should have the opportunity to do so in their local community,” Mr Lucas said.

“With Omicron prevalent in the community, this decision will assist social distancing and also allow families to shop close to their homes without having to travel.

“It is time for Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas to drop his stubborn opposition to providing South Australians with the opportunity of shopping close to home.”