UPDATE: A new survey reveals that West Australians overwhelmingly support extended shopping hours on Sundays, directly challenging State Government claims of sufficient trading times. Conducted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA last month, the survey of 982 households shows a striking 57% in favor of longer hours, with support rising to 65% specifically for Sundays.
Currently, shops in Perth operate only from 11 AM to 5 PM on Sundays, a schedule critics argue is outdated. Aaron Morey, Chief Economist at CCIWA, emphasized the public’s desire for change, noting, “Perth is the only city in Australia where you see people queuing outside a supermarket at 10:50 AM on a Sunday morning, waiting for the doors to open.” This sentiment reflects a growing demand for more flexibility in shopping hours, as support for extended Sunday trading has increased from 59% in December 2023.
The current trading regulations in Perth allow for shop hours of 8 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays. However, these laws are notably more relaxed in rural areas where councils dictate hours. Notably, specialty retailers like Bunnings can operate under different regulations, opening between 6 AM and 11 PM, albeit with restrictions on what they can sell.
Since the Labor Party took power in 2017, there have been increasing calls from consumers and business leaders to modernize Perth’s shopping laws. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has long advocated for a shift towards more accommodating trading hours, particularly on Sundays. Business figures, including Wesfarmers CEO Rob Scott, have echoed this sentiment, arguing for a review of the outdated regulations. “The retail landscape has changed so much from the days these laws were put in place,” Scott remarked.
Conversely, former Premier Mark McGowan and his successor Roger Cook have resisted these calls. Cook stated that supporting extended trading hours is “fundamentally anti-small business,” echoing the views of the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association. He added, “We have a demand problem for the retail sector, not a supply problem.”
Despite the resistance from government officials, Morey asserts that expanding Sunday trading could significantly benefit local businesses and the economy. “Amazon doesn’t wait until 11 AM on a Sunday to open,” he pointed out, advocating for more operational hours to help local shops compete. He also highlighted the potential for increased job opportunities for casual workers, noting that allowing Sunday morning trading could enable them to earn a full day’s income.
As the pressure mounts on the State Government to reconsider its stance on Sunday trading hours, the community’s voice is becoming increasingly clear. With a significant majority backing extended hours, the call for change in Perth’s retail landscape is louder than ever, and many are eager to see how officials will respond to this urgent demand.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story evolves.
