Retail trading referendum

Millions of dollars could be poured into campaigns relating to retail trading hours after this week’s announcement by Premier Geoff Gallop of plans for a referendum on the issue.

A number of lobby groups on both sides of the debate have told WA Business News they expect consumer support for or against the issue to be swayed by well-funded campaigns, even if the referendum fails to gain support through the parliamentary process.

The Liberal Party has said it will not support the Government’s plan for a referendum, casting some doubt as to whether it will proceed.

That means the Government will require the support of the Greens, who in the past have opposed the deregulation of trading hours, if the referendum is to pass through the parliament.

Earlier this week, however, the Greens indicated they could support the Government’s proposal if some changes were made to its wording.  

Franchisees Against Inequitable Retailing, which has the backing of retail giant Harvey Norman for Sunday trading, has indicated its intention to undertake a major advertising campaign.

FAIR spokesman Paul Plowman said it was “ridiculous” that the Liberal Party did not support the referendum.

A planned FAIR attack on the Government’s poor performance in reforming “unfair” retail laws would be changed to focus on the Liberals’ commitment to the status quo, he said.

“We have substantial funds available if we want to go down that path,” Mr Plowman said.

He said the organisation would campaign for Sunday trading rather than extended weeknight trading (the two scenarios are the basis of questions for the Government’s proposed referendum).

WA Business News understands that the Retail Traders’ Association, which supports wholesale deregulation, has been seeking monetary contributions from members and could be sitting on a campaign kitty of almost $1 million.

Those opposing deregulating trading hours are also gearing up for renewed debate.

The Independents Action Group, which waged a significant advertising campaign last year, the WA Retail and Small Business Association (of which IAG is a member), and the WA Independent Grocers’ Association will fight proposed deregulation.

Mr Plowman said the WA Independent Grocers’ Association had promised the Liberal Party $200,000 for campaign funds if it retained the status quo.

WAIGA president John Cummings denied his organisation had made such a commitment but acknowledged that members of his organisation had donated money to members of the Liberal Party.

Mr Cummings welcomed the Liberals’ opposition to the referendum. He said while his organisation would fight for retaining the status quo he doubted he could match the money that would be contributed by big business.

“Whitford [City] Shopping Centre takes in about $350 million, if they use just 10 per cent of that they’ve got $35 million,” Mr Cummings said.   “How can we collectively take on the might of Coles? If we did any advertising they would just double it.”

Opposition deputy leader Dan Sullivan said the Government was diverting attention away from key election issues by launching plans for a referendum.

RTA manager Brian Reynolds welcomed the Gallop Government’s referendum proposal and said his organisation was consistently campaigning for reform to WA’s retail trading laws.

 IAG president and WARASBA committee member Greg Dean said his organisation was well organised and would support the status quo.

WARASBA president Brett Dunstone said his organisation would campaign against the Gallop Government but would not reveal how much money it was prepared to spend.