TIME TO END PERTH’S OUTDATED SUNDAY TRADING RESTRICTIONS

The Opposition has today introduced legislation to Parliament to allow major retailers across the Perth metropolitan area to open from 8am on Sundays, giving families more choice and businesses greater flexibility.

The Retail Trading Hours Amendment (Sunday Trading) Bill 2026, to be introduced by Shadow Commerce Minister David Bolt, would bring Sunday opening forward from 11am to 8am while retaining the existing 5pm closing time.

The change would be voluntary, allowing individual retailers to decide whether opening earlier suited their business and customers.Mr Bolt said Perth’s Sunday trading laws were increasingly out of step with the way modern families lived, worked and shopped.

“It makes no sense that in 2026 West Australians still have to wait until 11am on a Sunday to shop at many major retailers,” he said.

“Families are juggling work, sport, caring responsibilities and busy weekends. Giving them an extra three hours to get their shopping done is a simple, practical reform.“

This Bill does not force any retailer to open. It gives businesses the choice to open earlier if there is demand and gives customers the choice to shop at a time that suits them.“It can also create additional opportunities for casual and part-time workers who wantmore hours.”

The proposal would not change public holiday trading arrangements, regional trading arrangements or the existing 5pm Sunday closing time.

Mr Bolt said the case for reform had grown as traditional retailers faced increasing competition from online and overseas businesses that customers could access around the clock.

“Local retailers employ West Australians, pay wages here and invest in our communities,” he said.

“They should have a fair opportunity to compete for customers rather than being required to keep their doors closed while online competitors remain open for business.”

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has long advocated for 8am Sunday opening, while its September 2025 consumer confidence survey found 65 per cent of respondents supported allowing shops such as supermarkets to open before 11am onSundays.

“Perth is a modern, growing city and our retail trading laws should reflect that,” Mr Bolt said.“Earlier Sunday trading means more choice for families, more flexibility for businesses and more opportunities for people who want to work. This is a modest and sensible reform which should attract bipartisan support.

“Labor has supported practical trading-hour reforms in the past. We are asking the Cook Government to put consumers and common sense first and support this Bill.”