A PROPOSAL for an extra public holiday on AFL grand final eve has been howled down by the state government.
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Treasurer Michael O’Brien on Friday slammed the Labor plan as reckless and a drain on the economy.
That is despite the proposal winning support from Fairfax readers, with 54 per cent of respondents to an online poll indicating support for a new public holiday.
Forty-one per cent said they opposed the proposal and three per cent said they did not care.
Labor is promising to support the push for a holiday if it is elected at the November 29 state election.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the public holiday would fill the void left by the Show Day holiday scrapped by former Premier Jeff Kennett’s government in 1994.
“Many people would welcome an opportunity to have a public holiday in September, whether they are footy fans or not,” Ms Allan said.
"It's a good time of the year to have a holiday."
Ms Allan, who will be supporting Hawthorn in Saturday’s AFL decider, said there was currently a “bit of a drought” in long weekends spanning the Queen’s Birthday in June and Christmas in December.
Labor leader Daniel Andrews said the holiday would inject millions into the state’s economy.
But Mr O’Brien said it would cost the state $1.6 million annually.
He said the cost to the retail and hospitality sectors would be $210 million alone.
“Retail and hospitality businesses will face paying ‘double time and a half’ penalty rates or closing down for the day,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Daniel Andrews’ irresponsibility will threaten what is a great economic boost for Victoria.”
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Barry Lyons branded Mr Andrews’ proposal as “ridiculous” and of no value to regional centres.
“Personally I don’t think it’s a great idea,” Cr Lyons said.
“We already have enough public holidays, we don't need another one.”
