Shoppers in Perth will enjoy four extra retail trading hours on Western Australia Day, June 6, with general retail shops in the metropolitan area allowed to open from 0800 to 1800.

The same extended hours will also apply to the Queen’s birthday on September 26.

“The approval of extended trading for these public holidays was in line with the state government’s policy of gradually easing retail trading restrictions,” said Michael Mischin, commerce minister.

Mischin said the extra trading hours would mean greater convenience, choice and flexibility for consumers when shopping on a public holiday. For retailers, he said it would mean greater freedom to be able to cater to the demands of their customers.

He added the extended hours would also allow shops to compete more effectively with online competitors.

“The Liberal National Government has been at the forefront of retail trading hours’ reform, with late night weekday and Sunday trading proving to be popular with consumers and successful for businesses,” Mischin said.

“A proposal to introduce earlier 7am openings on Monday to Saturday and 6pm closing on Saturday is currently before state parliament. The Government is further committed to an earlier Sunday opening time of 9am if re-elected next year,” he said.

Unrestricted 1100-1700 Sunday and public holiday trading (except for Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day) began on August 26, 2012 and weekday late night trading until 2100 began on November 1, 2010 for general retail shops in Perth.

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