CCIWA welcomes new retail trading push

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has welcomed the Barnett government's move to explore all options to extend weeknight trading to 9pm.

Premier Colin Barnett announced in parliament this afternoon the government is investigating whether regulatory changes could be made to extend weeknight trading to 9pm in the tourism precincts of Perth and Fremantle.

Mr Barnett also mentioned the government was looking into increasing the number of tourism precincts, which could include West Perth, North Perth, East Perth, Subiaco, Mount Lawley, South Perth and Victoria Park.

Yesterday, Opposition Leader Eric Ripper rejected the state government's compromise of 8pm weeknight trading, instead suggesting 7pm weeknight trading.

That deadline was rejected by the government.

In a statement, the CCIWA said it was pleased the government is prepared to examine all the options available to give Perth people the chance to shop outside normal working hours.

The CCIWA is currently driving a 9pm weeknight trading campaign, urging supporters to write to their local member of parliament and log their support on a special website.

The announcement is below:

The State's peak organisation representing local business, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, is pleased the Government is prepared to examine all the options available to it to give Perth people the chance to shop outside normal working hours.

The push for extended trading hours should not end because some members of the Western Australian Parliament are refusing to listen to the wishes of local retailers and consumers.

If the Government introduces extended trading hours by increasing the size or number of tourism precincts, it will be important to ensure that all local communities in Perth can enjoy the benefits of longer shopping hours.

CCI knows from its ongoing research, polling and community campaigning that most Perth people want a meaningful amount of extra time to shop, and meaningful choice at the checkout.

Extending weeknight trading hours will deliver greater choice, more convenience and lower prices at the checkout. It will also create hundreds of extra jobs.

CCI continues to urge all sides of politics to do the right thing by the people of Perth, and act in the best interests of the State, by working to deliver meaningful change to the State's out of date retail trading laws.

CCI still believes the best outcome would be if bipartisan support was reached to, once and for all, bring WA's retail trading laws up to date, and end political debate on the issue.

Western Australians who want to send a message to their local Member of Parliament that they want meaningful change to the State's trading hours laws are encouraged to join the campaign by visiting www.choiceatthecheckout.com.au.