By TESS IKONOMOU

Premier Daniel Andrews has been criticised for his lack of consultation with the business community over the implementation of last Friday’s Grand Final public holiday.

Labor initially promised the new public holiday in the lead up to the 2014 Victorian election and came through with its implementation in July this year.

The Age reported business leaders had been left disgruntled, arguing they weren’t given enough time to make the necessary adjustments for the new public holiday.

An issue was penalty rates, which saw wages increase 2½ times over the base rate.

This snap implementation has shed light on the lack of uniformity throughout Australia’s public holiday calendar, which varies from state to state, and its effects on the economy.

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The Government's release of a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) in July confirmed that the addition of two new public holidays – Easter Sunday and Grand Final eve – would cost the Victorian economy an estimated $405 million, while bringing in benefits of at least $312 million. 

In a statement released by the State Government, the acting Minister for Small Business, Gavin Jennings, said Victorians worked hard and they deserved these public holidays.

“The new holidays will deliver massive benefits across Victoria, boosting the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors and helping Victorians spend more quality time with their families and friends,” he said.

In an obvious swipe at Mr Andrews, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull tweeted early last Friday morning that Melbourne was “eerily quiet on a public holiday” and that he missed “the people and excitement of Grand Final eve.”

Mr Andrews told the Financial Review the day had been a huge success.

"We don't live to work. This is the biggest Grand Final parade, the biggest celebration of footy and families in our city that we've ever seen."

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry said in a press release the Grand Final public holiday had cost it as an organisation more than $120,000 in lost revenue.

“Businesses across both Melbourne and regional Victoria have contacted VECCI asking us to see if we can have this decision retracted – we’ll continue to campaign on their behalf to see these holidays are not repeated in coming years.”

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There was no arguing with the results of our last poll –  a resounding 83 per cent of our voters agreed  Australia should increase its refugee intake.

Only 27 per cent believed Australia should not increase the intake.