Statement by CCI Chief Executive James Pearson

The State’s political leaders must stand up to vested interest groups, which are determined to deny Western Australians more choice and lower prices, when they shop.

With legislation for extended weeknight trading likely to go before State Parliament within weeks, the State’s peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, urges the major political parties to allow people to better manage their busy lives by having the option to shop after work.

Plans to let stores in the Perth metropolitan area open on weeknights until 9pm are an important first step towards removing the clamp which is holding back local retailers. CCI believes allowing stores to open longer during the week will deliver many benefits to consumers and retailers, including greater choice, more convenience and lower prices; and create more jobs in the retail sector.

At present there are a small number of retailers are profiting from the current trading restrictions, at the expense of families across Perth’s suburbs, who not only are denied choice in where and when they can shop, but end up paying more at the checkout.

With governments across the world trying to stimulate economic growth and create jobs in response to the global financial crisis, our State’s political leaders can assist by reforming WA’s outdated retail trading hours laws.

The need to do away with the current trading hours regime is urgent and compelling. Experience in other states shows that deregulating trading hours promotes small business growth, encourages investment in the retail sector, and drives prices lower.

Western Australians deserve better.

In 2009 there is no need for government to impose unnecessary regulations which dictate to Western Australian consumers where and when they can shop. All other States and Territories have embraced trading hours reform, we should do the same.