Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP said the government was pressured to make the amendments which was a win for family-owned businesses. 

“This is a reprieve for family-owned businesses which are the heartbeat of Toowoomba,” Mr Janetzki said. 

The government attempted to pass new trading hours laws in May which would have allowed grocery giants such as Coles and Woolworths to trade an extra hour each weekday and two hours on Saturdays. 

The attempt angered Toowoomba’s small grocers and corner stores which heavily rely on the few hours trade they receive before the supermarkets open and after they close. 

Five Star Supermarket owner John Wilson, who has owned and run Southtown business for 17 years, said it was a small win. 

“Any win is a win and we’ll take it,” Mr Wilson said. 

“It could have been a heck of a lot worse,” he said. 

Mr Janetzki spoke up against the laws in Parliament in May during which time the debate was abruptly postponed. 

“This was about standing up for the little guy, supporting Toowoomba small businesses and promoting competition to keep a lid on prices for customers,” Mr Janetzki said. 

The new laws were passed on Wednesday night which allows supermarkets to trade from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays, instead of the previous 8am to 5pm on Saturdays. 

Trading hours for Sundays and most public holidays were standardised across Queensland from 9am to 6pm.  

Caption: Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki supporting Southtown grocer John Wilson whose business was under threat due to proposed extended trading hours for supermarket giants.

Media Contacts:

David Janetzki MP                                                                                                                             0417 644 597 

Lacey Maguire                                                                                                                   (07) 4602 3100