It’s anti- family, city car dealer boss warns

TOWNSVILLE car dealers warn Sunday trade won’t boost sales and will instead drive overworked staff out of the industry.

The Queensland Government has recently announced reforms that will allow car dealerships to open on Sundays as part of changes to trading laws.

Key Motors managing director Adam Carmichael said he was concerned Sunday trading would encourage people to leave the industry.

“I think it’s so important for people to spend time with their family and this will be potentially devastating,” he said.

“I’ve got no plans to go to seven- day trading.

“A car is the second biggest purchase in a family’s budget so it’s not like you wake up on a Sunday and think ‘ I’m going to buy a car today’.”

Last year the Government launched a review into trading hours with the aim of simplifying confusing restrictive legislation.

As part of the review a recommendation was made to allow car and caravan dealerships to open on Sunday from 9am to 6pm.

Wheelz and Wheelz owner John Dooley said he only had three staff employed as salesmen and a seven- day roster would be a huge strain on resources.

“The guys already work six days a week; I don’t want them working seven,” he said. “I think people like wandering around on Sundays and looking at the cars anyway, without being hassled.”

Motor Trades Association of Queensland CEO Dr Brett Dale said the Government had not consulted the industry about the impact of the changes.

“Government must consider the impact on consumers and communities who are likely to wear the financial impost,” he said.

“We know that cars, motorcycles and caravans are significant purchases that are planned and are rarely spontaneous.

“There will be no increased tax revenue to government and any costs incurred by businesses to trade extended hours will inevitably be passed on to the consumer.”