SPOIL SPORTS
Games trading stalemate as Beattie tells pollies to be team players, not ...
PETER Beattie has urged both sides of politics to strike a deal over 24-hour trading during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games or risk an international embarrassment
A POLITICAL deadlock over trading hours is risking our global reputation if it’s not resolved for the Commonwealth Games, according to the event’s outspoken chairman.
Peter Beattie has called for both parties to support 24hour trading from April 4-15, saying it would be a disaster if visitors emerged from events and hotels to find the shops closed.
Parliament was due to vote last week on new laws that would enforce consistent permanent trading hours across the state, and also allow unlimited trading in areas where there are “unique and infrequent” events.
The amendment would give power to the Industrial Relations Commissioner to decide which events qualified depending on their importance to the economy and tourism.
The Government delayed the vote amid speculation it would fail without support from the LNP and crossbench MPs, who say the laws would help major supermarkets at the expense of small business.
Mr Beattie hoped both major parties would support round-the-clock trading for the Games.
“We will have 1.2 million ticketholders here, global citizens, and it will not be helpful to the Gold Coast if people, after events can’t get into the shops,” he said. “We can’t miss this opportunity.”
Under current legislation, most Coast businesses would be restricted to trade from 7am-9pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 9am-6pm on Sundays, with some excpetions for businesses in the city’s designated coastal tourist area.
Shadow Games Minister John-Paul Langbroek said his party’s opposition was not due to Games trading hours, but the entire Bill.
“Even government members disagreed with parts of the bill and the whole process has been rushed,” he said.
“We aren’t convinced that Labor’s bill will create jobs and protect consumer choice and it’s probably why no one else in parliament is supporting it.”
Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace described the LNP’s opposition to the laws as “senseless economic vandalism”.
“There are a range of specific benefits for the Gold Coast under our bill,” she said.
“For example, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre will be included in the defined tourist area, as it’s directly adjacent to the coastal portion of the tourist area. It’s about time the LNP’s Gold Coast MPs backed our reforms and stopped trying to hold back progress on the Gold Coast.”