Extending WA’s retail trading hours is back on the political agenda, with the WA Liberals planning to introduce a bill to Parliament this year that would allow Perth shops to open from 8am on Sundays.
“We need a competitive environment to compete on the international stage,” he said.
“Why should WA be disadvantaged when we’re trying to attract tourism and international students?
“This would bring us in line with other states and allow WA to be more competitive.
Western Australians want earlier Sunday trading
Longer retail trading hours is also widely supported by Western Australians, with CCIWA’s Consumer Confidence Surveys finding that up to 65% want Sunday trade restrictions removed.
“The people are using their voice, they’re asking for this,” Kiely said.
“Busy families in a modern society want additional flexibility to do their shopping and they don’t want to have to do everything online.”
WA households have said that extended retail trading would enhance the liveability of Perth and their local communities and offer more choice in buying goods, including encouraging them to buy from local shops.
Greater choice for shoppers means more competition among retailers, which would support affordability, Kiely said.
Retailers deserve the option to open earlier
Kiely emphasised that CCIWA’s position on the issue was about giving retailers the choice to open for longer.
“We’re not saying when businesses should open earlier; we’re saying that they should have the option to open if they want to,” he said.
“Amazon doesn’t open at 11am on a Sunday morning – why should businesses be forced to open at that time?
“More opportunity for businesses to trade will help promote WA as a great place to come, live, do business and invest in.”
Backing greater choice for WA businesses
We’re advocating for retail trading reforms that give WA businesses greater choice over when they open and consumers more flexibility over when they shop.
Visit our Policy and Advocacy page to see how we’re working to make WA a more competitive place to live, work and do business.
