South Australia's Time Zone

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South Australia’s time zone Frequently asked questions

Community engagement on South Australia’s time zone

1. What time zone are we currently on? A change to UCT + 10 would mean that the sun would rise and set half an hour later, by the clock, than at present. South Australia’s time zone is 9.5 hours ahead of Coordinated Some people argue that this could have significant negative Universal Time (UTC + 9.5) – the same as the Northern Territory. impacts on the farming sector and social wellbeing, including the safety of children waiting at bus stops in the South Australia is one of only seven places in the world dark, particularly on the West Coast where sunrise times with a half-hour reference point against UTC. are already later than in eastern parts of the state. But Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and the others speak about the benefits of having an additional 30 Australian Capital Territory all have a time zone of UTC + 10. minutes of sunlight at the end of the day all year round, Western Australia has a time zone of UTC + 8. i.e. for exercise, eating out and heading for the beach.

2. What are the options open for discussion 4. What are some of the impacts for changing South Australia’s time zone? for changing our time zone to be closer to Western Australia? The main options in comments and submissions received to date in the community engagement process are: A change to UCT + 9 would align South Australia • align with the eastern states (UTC + 10) more closely to the same time zone as major trading partners in Asia, such as Japan and Korea (both UCT • move closer to Western Australian time (for example, UTC + 9) + 9) and China, Singapore and Malaysia (UCT + 8). • retain the current time zone (UTC + 9.5). A change to UCT + 9 would mean that the sun would rise and set half an hour earlier, by the clock, than at present. However it may make it less convenient for South Australian 3. What are some of the impacts if we align business people travelling to eastern states for meetings, our time zone with the eastern states? in some cases requiring travel the night before, rather than early in the morning. South Australia adopting UCT + 9 Some argue that this could potentially boost our business would also create one more separate time zone across the opportunities and improve public administration and our country (no other state or territory currently uses UCT + 9). scheduling of major events and sporting fixtures. It could help avoid confusion about the timing of meetings and tele-conferences across state borders. If airline schedules were adjusted as well, it could make it easier for South Australian business people travelling to the eastern states for business meetings, and for tourists and other visitors to SA. There would be no need to delay television and radio broadcasts of live events by half an hour in SA, enabling South Australians to take part in real-time discussions.

www.yoursay.sa.gov.au/timezone South Australia’s time zone Frequently asked questions

5. What will the engagement 7. How can I have my say? process involve? An online discussion forum has been established on the The most important aspect of a consultative process of YourSAy website, www.yoursay.sa.gov.au/timezone, this nature - one that impacts all South Australians - is that for live interactive discussion. we provide every opportunity for people to consider all Written submissions may be sent to: the options and have their say. It's of equal importance Time Zone, Department of State Development, that we do all we can to fully inform people about the GPO Box 320, SA Adelaide 5001. potential ramifications of change, positive and negative. Electronic submissions to: [email protected] A series of engagement forums will be held in the coming months in Adelaide and various regional centres. The first phase of consultation will continue until Friday 10 8. When is the closing date April 2015, shortly after which a report will be produced for submissions? outlining the Government’s preferred option and providing for a further two-month period of consultation. The first phase of consultation will continue until If the government decides to proceed with a Friday 10 April 2015, shortly after which a report will be change to the time zone, this would require produced outlining the Government’s preferred option and legislation to be amended in Parliament. providing for a further two-month period of consultation.

6. What is the scope of the engagement? 9. How can I find out more information?

The government is keen to ensure that all South Australians To stay informed please register online at YourSAy have the opportunity to participate in the discussion around www.yoursay.sa.gov.au/timezone or click here. the time zone. We will be seeking input not only about In the meantime please email your questions to: what the impacts might be from a potential time zone [email protected] and sign up to the discussion change, but also about ways that any negative impacts could forum on www.yoursay.sa.gov.au/timezone be managed (for example, by allowing some schools to change the starting and finishing times of the school day).