Comments by Western Australian Opposition Leader Colin Barnett that he favours only partial deregulation of the State's antiquated retail trading hours laws fall well short of what's required to bring the system up to date and meet the needs of WA's consumers.

The State's peak business organisation, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, believes that only full reform will deliver full benefits to shoppers and retailers such as greater choice, more convenience and lower prices.

While CCI welcomes Mr Barnett's preparedness to allow shops to open later on weeknights, the same standards must also apply on Sundays, and for all retailers, so they can better meet the needs of their customers.

CCI is keen to assess the full detail of the Liberal Party's policy, including the rules that will apply to weeknight trading, and what stores, if any, will be allowed to open on Sundays.

CCI's research shows that WA consumers want extended trading hours and that deregulation in other states has seen better business for retailers and lower prices for customers.

The need to do away with the current trading hours regime is urgent and compelling.

In 2008 there is no need for us to be told where and when we can shop. All other States and Territories have reformed their trading hours laws. We should do the same.

The current laws are bad for consumers, retailers and the State as they restrict choice, competition and innovation in the retail sector. They hold back small retailers from growing their businesses.

CCI also urges the Premier Alan Carpenter to hold firm on his pledge to deregulate the State's retail trading hours laws for the sake of consumers, retailers and the WA economy.

CCI is concerned the Premier appears to be softening his previous commitment to reform.

Now is the time for the State's political leaders to stand up to vested interests that want to protect their own right to trade on weeknights and Sundays but deny it to others.

Statement by CCI Chief Executive James Pearson

The Premier Alan Carpenter has misread the wishes of Western Australians by backing away from his earlier commitment to bring the State's retail trading laws up to date and in-line with the rest of the nation.

The preference of the Premier, and Opposition Leader Colin Barnett, for only partial deregulation of the State's antiquated shopping hours regime is a setback to WA shoppers. It allows vested interests to retain their unfair market advantage.

The State's peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, believes that only full reform will deliver the full benefits of greater choice, more convenience and lower prices.

CCI's research shows that WA consumers want extended trading hours and that deregulation across the nation has seen better business for retailers and lower prices for customers.

CCI is disappointed that WA's political leaders are favouring political expediency over major reform.

Western Australians are entitled to expect their members of parliament to act in the best interests of the State and be prepared to hold firm on issues that are important to the wellbeing and prosperity of the people they are elected to represent.

Instead, the narrow agendas of special interest groups appear to be derailing reform.

Western Australians deserve a rational and sensible debate about how to maximise economic growth and business investment, and promote WA as an attractive place to live and work.

Statement by CCI Chief Executive James Pearson