Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has definitively shut down any prospect of reforming Perth's restrictive retail trading hours before the next state election.
In a clear statement, the Premier confirmed his government will not be revisiting the long-debated issue of extending general retail shopping hours in the Perth metropolitan area during its current term.
Premier's Firm Stance on Retail Policy
Premier Cook addressed the topic directly, stating his administration's position is firmly settled. He emphasised that the government's focus is currently directed elsewhere, on other pressing policy areas and election commitments.
The announcement dashes the hopes of major retailers and some consumer groups who have campaigned for years to loosen the regulations. Perth's general retail trading hours remain some of the most limited among Australian capital cities, with most shops required to close by 5pm on weekdays and with strict limitations on weekend trading.
"We've made our position very clear on that," the Premier stated, indicating the matter was not up for further discussion or negotiation in the near future.
The Long-Running Debate Over Trading Hours
The issue of Perth's shopping hours has been a contentious feature of WA politics and retail policy for decades. Proponents of deregulation argue that extended hours provide greater consumer choice, convenience for working families, and align Perth with other major cities. They also point to potential economic benefits and job creation.
Opponents, often including smaller retailers and some employee groups, contend that longer hours would increase operational costs without significantly boosting overall sales, potentially disadvantaging small businesses. There are also concerns about the impact on workers' quality of life and the character of weekends.
Previous governments have made incremental changes, such as expanding hours in specific tourist precincts or for certain types of shops, but broad deregulation for general retail has consistently been met with political resistance.
Focus Shifts to Other Priorities
By taking this issue off the table, Premier Cook signals a strategic prioritisation of his government's legislative and political capital. The decision underscores a calculation that the political cost of pursuing trading hour reform outweighs the potential benefits at this time.
The government's agenda is likely to remain centred on other key areas such as health, housing, cost of living, and economic diversification. With the next state election on the horizon, the Labor administration appears to be consolidating its position on less divisive policies.
This means shoppers in Perth can expect the status quo to remain for the foreseeable future. The standard trading hours for general retail will continue to be 8am or 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, with late-night shopping until 9pm on Thursdays in the Perth metropolitan area and selected regional centres. Weekend trading remains limited to specific retailers and locations.
The Premier's definitive statement means any significant change to this framework is now postponed until at least after the next state election, leaving one of WA's perennial policy debates unresolved for another term.
