Type: Media Release
Division: VIC
Date: 06/04/98

Sunday Trading A Victory For Free Choice

The Property Council of Australia (Victorian division) has welcomed the decision by Bendigo residents to vote overwhelmingly in favour of Sunday trading.

Property Council Executive Director, Peter Clarke, said the poll decision was a victory for common-sense and freedom of choice. "This is a major win for freedom of choice, and confirms the support that the Property Council has been receiving about extended hours from its retail property owner members."

Mr Clarke said member feedback also showed that extended trading hours had increased the perception that shopping centres were more customer focussed than ever before.

He added that if Victoria was to remain competitive with other States for the tourism dollar, it was essential that reforms in retail trading hours did not suffer a backslide.

"Customers are finding that the convenience of extended shopping hours essential to their changing lifestyles, but the benefits to employment and tourism are an added advantage," Mr Clarke said.

Mr Clarke said private polling indicated that a large percentage of Bendigo residents saw the flexibility and customer focussed trends in retailing as positive.

The polling showed the single biggest reason for those in favour of Sunday trading was freedom of choice for traders and consumers, with tourism potential also important.

"These days consumers want the flexibility and freedom to make their purchases when it suits them. This is the future of retailing, and a situation which retailers should see as one of potential rather than a hindrance," Mr Clarke said.