- McGowan Government approves extra retail trading hours for Christmas
- Extended trading to begin on December 8, 2018 until New Year's Day 2019
- Extra trading also approved for Australia Day 2019 public holiday
The McGowan Government has approved extended retail trading hours, giving Perth shoppers extra hours to complete their Christmas shopping this season.
From Monday December 17, shops can choose to open from 7am on weekdays including Christmas Eve.
From December 9, shoppers will have an extra four hours each Sunday to do their Christmas shopping, with shops able to open at 8am and close at 6pm through to Sunday December 30.
Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston approved the additional 34 hours for general retail shops in the Perth metropolitan area starting on Saturday December 8.
Shops can open from 8am to 6pm on weekends, Boxing Day and the New Year's Day public holidays (normally 11am to 5pm); larger shops will remain closed on Christmas Day.
The extended trading hours will conclude on New Year's Day. Additional extended trading hours for the Australia Day public holiday on Monday January 28, 2019 have also been approved (8am to 6pm), adding an extra four hours.
Under the Retail Trading Hours Act, the Minister has the power to extend trading for a 28-day period prior to New Year's Day and for public holidays outside this period, except for Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day when general retail shops must close.
Comments attributed to Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston:
"I'm pleased to announce that Christmas retail trading hours will be extended again this year.
"The McGowan Government wants consumers and major Perth retailers to take full advantage of Christmas and post-Christmas shopping.
"I encourage everyone to buy their Christmas presents from their local community and support Western Australian jobs and retailers."
Minister's office - 6552 6700
