Western Australia votes "NO to Sunday trading

 It's nice to see that Nova Scotia not only Dared to be Different but our friends in Australia have joined Nova Scotia in keeping our Sundays a day of rest. Not only have they voted NO to Sunday shopping they have said No to week night shopping. Bravo Western Australia for putting you're families first !

        Source for this news story www.news.com.au

Voters say no to more shopping
February 27, 2005 

THE West Australian referendum on extending shopping hours was headed for certain defeat last night.

The No campaign was well in front in the count, with the Yes campaign all but conceding.
On the question of extended weekday trading, the No votes were ahead 96,977 to 64,155. And on Sunday shopping, 97,627 said No against 56,984 Yes votes.

Bob Welch, executive director of the WA Sports Federation, said: "This sends a clear message that West Australians still place a greater value on community-based activities and time for the family unit than convenience for a few and returns for shareholders."

Greg Dean, president of the WA Retail and Small Business Association, which represents 5000 small businesses, described the result as a stunning victory for small business.

"Obviously, the public saw through the multimillion-dollar con by Coles and Woolworths and has protected our lifestyle and economic viability for many years to come," he said.

"We would like to thank the public and particularly our many business partners, the church, sporting and community groups who helped deliver the message."

Brian Reynolds, of the Yes campaign's Choice and Convenience For All, said last night's result was a disappointment for all West Australians.

"It is disappointing that the community will not benefit from more choice and convenience when it comes to their shopping," Mr Reynolds said.

"It will be a long time before the community will have the opportunity to have a say on this issue again.

"Sadly, this is a victory for higher prices, for less shopping choice and less convenience, for less employment opportunities and for less tourism.

"Our opponents ran a scare campaign that was heavily funded by an elite group of retailers and associations who have sought to maintain their privileged monopoly position, putting their own interests above those of consumers."

But Mr Dean said: "We feel like we need to run a lap around a big oval holding aloft a trophy with hoteliers, pharmacies, newsagents, farmers, sporting, church and community groups, such is the magnitude of this victory."

Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive John Langoulant said the community had voted to keep small businesses small.

"All those small businesses that have supported the continuation of the current arrangements have basically put a ceiling on their growth," Mr Langoulant said.

"They can't grow now. This whole debate has put a real wedge between small and big business which is not constructive and consistent with a free-enterprise open market."

Mr Langoulant said neither political party had shown strong leadership on the issue.

Earlier in the day, the Yes and No campaigns for extended shopping hours were out in force at polling booths across the state in a last-minute attempt to sway voters.

Both campaigns accused the other of misleading voters and each claimed its opponents spent more on advertising.

The Yes campaign said it had spent $1 million, while the No campaign admitted spending $460,000. 

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Save Our Sundays encourages Western Australia to Say "No" to Sunday Trading (Shopping)