September 21 2018 McGowan Government cuts Christmas trading hours Bill Johnston will go down this year as the Grinch who stole working hours from workers, trading hours from businesses and choice from West Australian consumers, the State Opposition said today. Shadow Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the decision of the McGowan Government to reduce Christmas retail trading hours compared to previous years was reprehensible in the current economic environment. “The decision not to allow businesses to trade as often as they were permitted in previous years will reduce the opportunities for businesses to generate revenue, reduce employment opportunities for West Australians and reduce choice and opportunities for customers at what traditionally has been the busiest time of the year,” Mr Mischin said. “There are 15 fewer hours of retail trading over the Christmas period from 5 December to 1 January compared to last year, a reduction of 30%.” Mr Mischin said that, at a time when retail trade is flat and there are thousands of West Australians unemployed and under-employed, the McGowan Government had an opportunity to allow businesses to open longer, employ more people, and enable them to work longer and earn more. “Instead, they have reduced trading hours, opening the door to more people to do their Christmas shopping online,” Mr Mischin said. “It beggars belief the Government is winding back trading and employment opportunities, rather than maintaining or building on the reforms we pioneered to allow more choice to consumers and businesses, and work for those who want it. “They are depriving thousands of workers the opportunity to work extra hours and earn more money at a time when many face increased costs. Minister Johnston, a former official of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, has simply confirmed to whom he owes his loyalties. “This Government is not making decisions in the interests of West Australians, but in the interests of its union masters.” Media Contact |
