THE Commerce North West’s decision to support Sunday trading might not even make a difference, because its application to be heard at the Queensland Relations Industrial Commission in November was rejected.
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The chamber – until recently known as the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce – submitted an application but it was denied because it was sent after the cut-off date in July.
The chamber’s president, Travis Crowther, said the application was sent before the chamber knew what stance it would take.
A confidential survey revealed 57.5 per cent of the members who voted supported Sunday trading, with the results released at a forum on Monday.
Mr Crowther said the chamber was appealing the decision that it could not be heard at the commission.
The chamber did not know the commission was going to happen until after the cut-off date, he said.
State Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter informed the chamber of the commission after learning of it after the date for applications had closed, Mr Crowther said.
Mr Crowther released a letter to the chamber’s members yesterday stating the chamber supported seven-day trading after “extensive consultation” with members.
The view of 102 members were submitted through an electronic survey.
“I wish to underline that our position on this issue has been established only after consulting our members.”
Comment was sought from a Commerce North West member who voted for Sunday trading but one could not be found, despite the view being in the majority, because the votes were confidential.
Members including Mount Isa City Council, McDonalds, FIFO Capital North Qld, and Mount Isa Mines did not vote.
A Mount Isa Mines spokesperson said; “we decided from a Mount Isa Mines perspective not to take part in the survey.”
Woolworths would not comment on what stance it voted for but it referred The North West Star to the National Retailers Association, the body that applied for the commission.
