The state's small traders association has withdrawn its long-held opposition to deregulating retail trading hours in Queensland as retailers struggle with a slower economy and increased internet shopping. Source: The Courier-Mail
SHOPS are a step closer to deregulated hours, with the state's small traders association reversing its opposition to a push to allow retailers to open when they want.
The United Retail Federation (URF) has withdrawn its long-held opposition to deregulating retail trading hours in Queensland and has called on the Government to "consider the best path towards deregulation".
The sudden about-face could hand major retailers, such as Coles and Woolworths, a key advantage in their battle for extended trading hours.
It comes as retailers struggle with a slower economy and increased internet shopping.
Under the current system, applications are assessed individually by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) on a case-by-case basis.
While the Newman Government has consistently said it was not reviewing the system, in which applications are individually assessed by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC), the change of heart by the URF - which is understood to represent hundreds of shops - could give the case to lift trading hours restrictions a significant boost.
The group claims to be the peak representative of corner stores and independents and had staunchly opposed any relaxation to trading hours.
But late last month, it suddenly reversed its position, calling on the State Government to forge ahead with deregulation.
The National Retail Association, which represents some of the biggest retailers, is preparing a fresh push to relax trading hours, with up to eight separate applications to extend opening hours across the state scheduled to be heard by the QIRC so far this year.
NRA deputy chief executive officer Bianca Seeto said the URF had previously been the main opponent in applications for extended trading hours and their opposition had been taken into consideration in the final judgment.
Ms Seeto said Queensland's trading hours regime was complicated and outdated. "It is pretty silly to operate under all these different regimes, even in south-east Queensland.
"In one suburb you might be able to trade until 5.30pm on a Saturday and others it might be 6pm," she said.
"That is because there have been individual decisions that have dictated that as opposed to legislation."
Applications include a proposal to extend trading hours in inner-city Brisbane, New Farm, Toowong, the Townsville CBD, Ipswich and Hamilton.
URF general manager Bruce Mills described the group's change of position as an "historic move" given its previous long-term opposition to deregulation and a response to internet shopping, which was a major challenge for retailers.
"The United Retail Federation will today be calling on the Queensland Government to consider the best path towards the deregulation of retail trading hours across southeast Queensland and put an end to the uncertainty and confusion surrounding when shops can and can't be open to their customers," Mr Mills said.
The policy shift came after the group split ways with the Metcash IGA brand late last year.
Metcash IGA - which has more than 1000 stores - has vowed to continue its battle against what it described as an "onslaught" of extended trading applications by major retailers this year.
"The independent sector contributes greatly to local domestic economies and creates jobs," IGA state board chair Roz White said.
"These applications for extended trading hours are just another nail in the coffin."
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