The Gallop Government says 'yes - yes' to extended shopping hours

17/1/05
Cabinet has today backed a YES - YES vote in the upcoming referendum on shopping hours for the Perth metropolitan area.
Premier Geoff Gallop said Western Australians must be given the chance to have their say on when they wanted to shop in Perth and the suburbs and the Government believed a 'yes' vote to both referendum questions would carry WA forward.
"We are a positive, forward-looking people in WA and giving choice to shoppers and retailers is an important step to creating more jobs and opportunities," Dr Gallop said.
"This Government is leading by listening and there is an overwhelming groundswell of people wanting greater choice and flexibility in their lives and extended shopping hours will deliver that."
The Premier confirmed that his Government would respect the will of the people and it would implement whatever the outcome of the referendum was, but in the lead-up to the vote, he said it was important that people knew what Labor supported.
"Through the Parliament we attempted to deliver extended shopping hours, but that Bill was rejected by the Liberals, who voted for no change at all," he said.
"I notice the official Liberal Party position is still for no change - no ifs or buts - and they have hinted at restricting shopping hours further, so you cannot trust them to implement the outcome of a referendum they do not want."
Dr Gallop said he was seeking a mandate from the people of WA because Labor was the only party committed to delivering extended shopping hours and providing stronger protections for small businesses.
"Liberal leader Colin Barnett and his sidekick, deputy Dan Sullivan, will only take the State backwards," he said.
"I believe the majority of Western Australians will want to vote 'yes' to extended weeknight trading, so busy families will have more convenience in where and when they can shop at the stores that are willing to provide a service."
The Premier also said he was now firmly convinced of the benefits of Sunday trading.
"The Gallop Government supports a 'yes' vote for six hours of Sunday trading, to provide more choice for families who want to go shopping then and to provide a level playing field for businesses willing to open their doors seven days a week," he said.
Premier's office: 9222 9475