International News - Harvey Norman faces fines for Sunday trading

Australian furniture and electricals retailer Harvey Norman has gone head to head with the state government of Western Australia over its decision to open on Sundays.

The 155-store group opened 22 shops on Sunday June 22 in protest at state laws preventing retailers opening on the Sabbath and public holidays. However, Harvey Norman now faces fines in the six figure region.

Although there has been debate recently over opening hours, the state government has decided to leave them unchanged.

The trading hours rules have been in place since 1987, but Harvey Norman chief executive Gerry Harvey has said he believes they are inconsistent.