The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed the WA Government’s announcement to extend retail trading hours for the upcoming Western Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday public holidays as a step in the right direction to bring trading hours into line with consumer expectations.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said it’s a common-sense move, but more reform is needed to bring retail trading hours into the 21st century.
“Existing retail trading hour restrictions in WA are a handbrake on economic growth and are out of step with contemporary consumer behaviour,” Mr Zahra said.
“We welcome the announcement from the State Government to allow four extra hours of trade for the next two public holidays. This is a small but important step that will provide more choice for WA consumers and more shifts for retail workers.
“We hope that this is a sign of things to come and that the WA Government takes a more holistic view to reform retail trading hours.
“Consumers want to be able to shop at the times that suit them and their families. It doesn’t make sense to have unnecessary red tape that stops retailers from opening when they want, and when consumers want to shop.
“We need to have more certainty in this area, with permanently flexible trading hours in WA that are in line with today’s modern society. We see today’s announcement is a small step towards that goal.”
