Anzac Day real estate auctions to be banned before 1pm in Victoria

Anzac Day real estate auctions to be banned before 1pm in Victoria
Staff ReporterDecember 7, 2020

The Victorian Government has moved to prohibit public auctions of land before 1pm on Anzac Day, bringing the industry into line with the standard restricted business hours for the day.

The Sale of Land Amendment Bill 2019 was introduced to parliament this week.

It is unlikely to have taken effect by this year, although being a Thursday, it not likely to be an issue.

The issue arose in 2015 when Anzac Day fell on a Saturday.

It is next set for a Saturday in 2020.

Melbourne agents mostly offered afternoon auctions, but Premier Daniel Andrews expressed concerned about reports raised on Neil Mitchell's 3AW that home auctions were held on the 2015 Saturday morning.

"It may be legal to be having auctions and things of that nature, but I think it's pretty ordinary," Andrews said in 2015.

About 80 were scheduled for the 2015 Anzac Day, with 18 held before 1pm.

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria says it was disappointing some vendors and agents had ignored their advice about maintaining respect for the day.

In 2015 Amanda Lynch, chief executive of the Real Estate Institute of Australia indicated there was a need a nationally consistent position on ANZAC Day opening hours.

 

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