Sunday trade still months away for Southern Downs
SUNDAY trading could still be months away for major Southern Downs retailers.
National Retailers Association external relations director Malcolm Cole said the NRA would make an application to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission following support for extended hours from Southern Downs councillors, but said it would take at least six months for a decision to be handed down.
“We have the support of the business community as well as the council but we are yet to lodge an application,” Mr Cole said.
“If we were to get something together in the next month or so, it will usually be a couple of months before the hearing date and then two or three more months for the commission to make a decision.
“So at the earliest we could see Sunday trading by the end of this year or early next year.”
An approval by the QIRC would mean non-exempt retailers – Woolworths, Big W, Target and eventually Coles – could open between the hours of 9am and 6pm on Sunday.
Independent retailers could still open at their discretion if the decision is approved, and choose to remain closed on Sunday.
Mr Cole said while the decision ultimately lay with the QIRC, they were hopeful an approval would be made.
“It certainly helps there is clear support from the council and business community, so there is a very strong argument we can make in the neat future.”
