LIBERALS TO MODERNISE PERTH’S OUTDATED TRADING HOURS

The WA Liberals will introduce legislation this year to allow major retailers in Perth to open from 8am on Sundays.

Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said Perth’s restrictive trading hours were outdated and proving more and more inconvenient for people with busy lives.

“It is ridiculous that in 2026, West Australians still have to wait until 11am on a Sunday to do their shopping,” Mr Zempilas said.

“Perth is the only mainland capital city where major retailers cannot open at 8am on a Sunday.

“Busy families should be able to shop when it suits them, retailers should be able to open when there is customer demand and casual workers should have a greater opportunity to earn more.”

The WA Liberals will introduce a Private Member’s Bill this year allowing general retail shops in Perth to open from 8am on Sundays.

The change would be voluntary, with no retailer forced to open.Mr Zempilas said earlier Sunday trading would also support smaller businesses, including cafes and specialty stores, which benefit from the additional activity and foot traffic generated by major shopping centres.

A recent Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA survey of almost 1,000 consumers found 65 per cent supported allowing shops to open before 11am on Sundays.

The Australian Retail Council has also warned that inconsistent trading-hour restrictions prevent retailers from meeting modern consumer expectations, reduce convenience and limit economic activity and employment.

“West Australians want this change, the retail sector wants this change and Perth needs this change if we are serious about being a modern and competitive city,” Mr Zempilas said.

“Roger Cook continues to allow union bosses to dictate when families can shop and when West Australians can work.”

Mr Zempilas also announced that a future Liberal Government would allow retailers to trade for 24 hours on Black Friday each year.

Participating stores would be able to open from one minute past midnight and trade through until midnight, with no business required to participate.

“Black Friday has overtaken Boxing Day as WA’s biggest spending day, but our trading laws have failed to keep pace with the way people now shop,” Mr Zempilas said.

“This practical reform will help local businesses compete with online and overseas retailers, create additional work opportunities and keep more retail spending here in Western Australia.”