- Major supermarkets and department stores can open 11am-5pm Sundays
- Special trading precincts to be abolished
Sunday trading for all shops in the Perth metropolitan area is one step closer with the Government introducing legislation in State Parliament to change retail trading laws.
Amendments to the Retail Trading Hours Act will see all metropolitan general retail shops, which includes major supermarkets and department stores, being allowed to open between 11am and 5pm on Sundays. The special trading precincts in Perth, Fremantle, Midland, Armadale and Joondalup will therefore be abolished.
Commerce and Small Business Minister Simon O’Brien said the changes were part of the State Government’s ongoing campaign to relax restrictions on trading hours and create a fairer and more competitive retail sector.
“Since 2009, the Government has introduced late night trading on weekdays and increased and expanded special shopping precincts to create more opportunities for consumers and traders,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The precincts proved that there was a demand for shopping on Sundays and public holidays but gave the traders located within these precincts an unfair advantage over their competitors located outside. These amendments will address those concerns and produce a fairer and more equitable marketplace to benefit both traders and consumers.
“Sunday trading reflects the changing nature of the workforce, meets the needs and expectations of the community and is in keeping with our modern lifestyle which requires greater flexibility for busy families.”
The amendments will give the Minister discretion to allow general retail shops to trade on public holidays, except for Christmas Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day. The Minister will continue to have discretion when considering applications to vary trading hours in regional areas.
Fact File
- Late night trading on weeknights was introduced in November 2010
- Perth and Fremantle special shopping precincts were expanded and Midland, Joondalup and Armadale precincts were created in 2010
- Details of current regulation can be found at
http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumerProtection/Content/Consumers/Retail_Trading_Hours.html
Minister's office - 9213 6400
