The business sector has backed the WA Treasurer Troy Buswell’s plan to bypass the Nationals to introduce extended retail trading.
Troy Buswell will try to gain support from local councils to amend regulations that would allow late night and Sunday trading in inner-city suburbs.
Mr Buswell says this can be done by January before the Nationals, who do not support the move, can move a disallowance motion in parliament.
Wayne Spencer from the Retail Traders Association says it is bizarre the government must resort to such tactics. "I just think it’s still crazy the way that it may have to be done, but it has to be deregulated," he said. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s James Pearson says it should not just apply to inner city suburbs.
"It will be important to ensure that all local communities in Perth can enjoy the benefit," he said. Suburbs such as Mt Lawley and Subiaco would be included in the changes