Liberal leader Colin Barnett has failed to outline a firm retail trading policy after the Labor Party's promise yesterday of modest reforms to shopping hours.
Speaking on 6PR, Mr Barnett reportedly said he would respect the retail trading referendum but would continue discussions with industry groups and the community.
He had indicated earlier this week that he may be open to limited reform of trading hours.
Mr Barnett's comments follow the Labor Party's announcement yesterday that it would introduce modest reforms of shopping hours if it wins the election.
Under Labor's scheme, weeknight trading would be extended to 7pm and electrical and furniture stores would be able to open on Sundays from 11am until 5pm.
Special shopping districts also would be created in the Perth suburbs of Joondalup, Midland and Armadale to allow for Sunday and public holiday trading from 11am to 5pm.
The modest reforms are in contrast to Premier Alan Carpenter's earlier calls to overhaul the state's retail trading hours.
Consumer Protection Minister Sheila McHale said today that Mr Barnett's failure to reveal a retail trading policy showed that the Liberals were not ready for government.
"Colin Barnett has had 20 years to make up his mind on retail trading and now he says that if he wins, all he'll do is sit down and think about it," Ms McHale said.
"That's not good enough - people deserve better."
