THE debate around Millicent’s shop trading hour regime is expected to rage on in State Parliament this week as the Labor Party seeks bipartisan support to recognise the town’s unique regulated status.
State Opposition leader Peter Malinauskas will lead discussion on a three-part motion calling on the Marshall Government to support the community’s efforts and oppose the deregulation of shop trading hours.
The motion, which is scheduled to be debated on Wednesday, will also call on the government to acknowledge Millicent’s support for businesses and jobs as demonstrated by the two community votes indicating overwhelming support for the status quo.
The proposal follows Labor MLCs Clare Scriven and Kyam Maher banding with Foster’s Foodland and IGA Millicent to campaign against extending trading hours, saying the move will kill competition.
The pair backed community calls for Member for MacKillop Nick McBride to vote against his party’s policy in parliament.
“What we’re hearing from the people of Millicent is not only do they want him to cross the floor, they expect him to cross the floor,” Ms Scriven said.
“It would be the right thing for Nick to do and it would also send a message there is a significant community in the South East that does not support this.
“There is no other reason than blind ideology by the Liberal Government to push forward with this for Millicent when there is clearly such community opposition to it.
“If Nick did cross the floor, it would certainly be a positive thing to raise the focus of the issue.
“Whatever else goes through, it would make sense to grant this exemption for Millicent.”
The Marshall Government is facing ongoing backlash against its pre-election pledge to radically change trading hour regulation, including an industry-driven campaign backed by the Labor-aligned Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA).
While amendments to the Shop Trading Hours Act are expected to be introduced this week under the Liberal Party’s first 100 days in office, Premier Steven Marshall told parliament there was “some complexity” in the drafting of the bill.
However, the Labor representatives said there was no excuse for the delay, saying the legislation should be ready to go ahead of June 21, which is the final sitting day before Day 100.
