Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 10 February 2004

Harvey Norman Stores Charged

146 charges relating to trading hours offences have been laid against operators of a number of Harvey Norman stores across Western Australia.

Each offence could carry a potential fine of up to $2,000.

It is alleged that when the Harvey Norman stores operated on Sunday 22nd June of last year, they did so illegally, to the detriment of other traders who were complying with retail trading hours laws. 

The stores whose operators are facing charges are:

Morley                              West Perth                      Warwick                 Maddington

Peppermint Grove           Fremantle                         Osborne Park          Belmont      

O’Connor                          Joondalup                        Armadale                Albany

Port Kennedy                    Midland                            Cannington              Kalgoorlie

Geraldton                          Mandurah

“We have charged the operators of these Harvey Norman stores knowing we have a duty to WA retailers who do the right thing and trade within the Western Australian laws”, Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

“The Government’s community consultation process regarding retail trading hours laws provided a good opportunity for traders and consumers alike to make comments and voice any concerns about trading hours.

“The consultation process to further develop laws that take into account everyone’s views is not aided by traders operating in contravention of existing laws”, Mr. Walker said.

Charges are expected to be heard in various metropolitan and regional courts nearest to the locations of the stores whose operators have been charged.