Bunnings Addresses Supplier Concerns and National Observance
Bunnings, Australia’s leading hardware and garden retailer, has responded to recent industry concerns while confirming trading hours for Anzac Day 2025, with both announcements emerging as the company faces increased scrutiny over its treatment of plant growers and its responsibilities on national days of significance.
Figure 1: Bunnings confirmed trading hours for Anzac Day
Growers Raise Concerns Over Industry Practices
The supermarket senate inquiry exposed long-standing dissatisfaction among plant suppliers, with growers revealing concerns about power imbalances, unfair treatment and financial losses, as many shared they had operated at a loss and feared speaking publicly due to potential retaliation, prompting urgent calls for reform.
Agreement Signed with Greenlife Industry Australia
Bunnings has now signed an agreement with Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) to address these supplier concerns, establishing new mechanisms that aim to improve fairness and transparency within the industry, while responding directly to the inquiry’s revelations.
GIA Welcomes the Move as Industry Milestone
Joanna Cave, GIA Chief Executive, welcomed the deal as a turning point for the sector, stating, “It delivers commercial certainty to growers in a way they haven’t experienced before,” as she highlighted how the agreement provides access to independent arbitration and a safer process for managing disputes between growers and the retailer.
Long-Term Supplier Voices Scepticism
Despite the agreement, scepticism remains among some growers, including veteran nursery operator John Van Der Lay from the Mid North Coast of NSW, who said, “A leopard doesn’t change its spots,” in response to the deal, indicating that past experiences continue to influence his perception of Bunnings’ commitment to change.
Agreement to Undergo Formal Review
GIA acknowledged the voluntary nature of the agreement but insisted that it sets the groundwork for stronger supplier relationships, while Bunnings Group Managing Director Michael Schneider said, “We see this as an important first step to build trust and improve the industry for everyone involved,” adding that the agreement will be reviewed annually, with the first formal evaluation set for 26 February 2026.
Key Agreement Elements Include:
- Voluntary participation from Bunnings and growers
- Annual reviews to ensure continuous progress
- Access to independent arbitration for dispute resolution
- Framework built on trust and mutual understanding
Industry to Watch for Accountability
The industry will monitor how effectively the agreement improves supplier conditions, as the issue of fair commercial practices remains at the forefront for both growers and consumer advocates, with the broader horticulture community viewing this as a potential model for future reform across the sector.
Bunnings Releases Anzac Day Trading Hours for 2025
Alongside its supplier reform efforts, Bunnings has confirmed its nationwide trading hours for Anzac Day 2025, which falls on Friday, 25 April, aligning with varying state and territory legislation governing public holiday operations.
Detailed Anzac Day Trading Schedule
The schedule released by Bunnings includes the following:
- NSW & QLD: All stores closed for the entire day
- VIC & ACT: Stores open from 1:00 PM
- TAS: Stores open from 1:00 PM
- NT: Most stores open at 1:00 PM, with regional variation possible
- SA & WA: Stores open from 12:00 PM, with Armadale, Bunbury, and Kalgoorlie stores closed all day
- All Trade Centres Nationwide: Closed all day
Company Encourages Planning and Participation
Bunnings has advised customers to shop ahead on 24 April or wait until stores reopen in the afternoon of 25 April, while also encouraging Australians to attend dawn services before visiting any location, to uphold the significance of the national day of remembrance.
Also Read: Anzac Day in Victoria: What’s Open and When
Respect for Tradition Accompanies Retail Operations
The retailer’s trading decisions reflect an alignment with both regulatory obligations and cultural expectations, demonstrating its intention to support public commemorations while continuing operations in a way that respects the values associated with Anzac Day.
Bunnings Aligns Strategy with Broader Public Expectations
The combination of supplier reforms and respectful holiday trading signals a strategic direction that seeks to integrate commercial goals with public accountability, as Bunnings continues to respond to both regulatory pressure and public sentiment.
Industry Analysts Await Further Developments
Observers from across the horticultural and retail sectors will closely follow the implementation of the GIA agreement, with the February 2026 review expected to reveal whether the voluntary commitments translate into tangible improvements for growers.
Suppliers Look Toward Long-Term Change
GIA has remained optimistic, reiterating that the presence of independent arbitration will offer growers confidence in future dealings, with expectations that the agreement will help restore a sense of commercial certainty and industry stability.
Retailer Positions Itself for Sustainable Engagement
Michael Schneider confirmed Bunnings’ focus on transparency and long-term collaboration, expressing that the company aims to enhance relationships with suppliers and contribute positively to the industry’s future, while continuing to honour the communities it serves.
Bunnings Balances Growth and Cultural Responsibility
As Bunnings adapts its supplier practices and trading hours, the company presents a narrative that blends operational priorities with public values, reinforcing its position as a retailer that listens, responds and adapts within an evolving national and commercial landscape.
