05/02/2021

Regulations aimed at ensuring South Australian supermarkets remain well stocked while the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic continues have been extended.

The extension ensures goods can be delivered around the clock, giving delivery drivers the ability to meet increased demand for food and supplies.

The restrictions were first eased in March last year in response to the pandemic, and associated panic buying.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said the extension wil give certainty to South Australian supermarkets, grocery stores and consumers.

"Given the extent of panic buying that has accompanied different phases of the pandemic, it's essential that supermarkets have easy access to the goods and services that we rely on," Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said.

"Continuing to allow the delivery of goods outside the hours contained in any planning approvals will ensure the supply of essential products to South Australians can continue.

"At this stage, these restrictions are expected to be eased for the duration of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, which is currently set to expire on 31 May," she said.

This extension has been made following calls from peak logistics body, the Australian Logistics Council, which advised that work pressures on grocery delivery drivers continues due to the national response to COVID-19.

"ALC welcomes the extension of relaxation of delivery curfews, ensuring the continuous movement of freight enables commodities to be moved in higher volumes to meet surges in demand and provides certainty to the community that supermarket shelves will remain stocked," ALC's CEO Kirk Coningham OAM said.