West Australians will get two extra public holidays a year \u2014 Easter Saturday and a new weekday off called Show Day \u2014 and the dates of three existing holidays will be shifted as part of a major shakeup to WA\u2019s public holiday calendar.<\/p>\n
Premier Roger Cook on Saturday announced the shakeup to WA\u2019s public holiday calendar to The Sunday Times, saying the public had \u201coverwhelmingly\u201d supported changes the government first floated several months ago.<\/p>\n
But the increase in public holidays from 11 to 13 is likely to infuriate business, with the State Government\u2019s own analysis showing WA employers would have to fork out an extra $147 million a year in additional wages.<\/p>\n
The Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025, to enable the changes to be made, is expected to be introduced into the WA Parliament this week.<\/p>\n
Under the new WA public holiday regime, which kicks in from 2028:<\/p>\n
Easter Saturday will now be a public holiday, joining Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. This will bring WA into line with Victoria, the ACT and the NT.<\/p>\n
The King\u2019s Birthday, now in late September during the Royal Show week, will be shifted to the second Monday in June to better align with other States.<\/p>\n
A new weekday public holiday, to be known as Show Day, will be added to coincide with the first Monday of the September-October school holidays. Regional councils will be able to hold Show Day at another date in September.<\/p>\n
WA Day will move from June to the second Monday in November.<\/p>\n
Labour Day will shift to the second Monday in March to align with other States. In State election years, it will be on the third Monday in March to avoid having an election over a long weekend.<\/p>\n
Mr Cook said the response from West Australians was \u201coverwhelming\u201d with support for changes to better align WA holidays with the rest of the country.<\/p>\n
The sad fact is that many small and family businesses in WA are doing it very tough at the moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want WA\u2019s economy to remain the strongest in the nation,\u201d he told The Sunday Times. \u201cSo, to keep it running smoothly, it makes sense we make doing business with the eastern states as efficient as we can.<\/p>\n
\u201cStriking the right balance is essential, and I want to make sure workers get the breaks they deserve while we keep WA\u2019s economy strong.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a win for families and for business. These changes will modernise WA\u2019s calendar, support the economy and provide more opportunities to celebrate our community, culture and achievements.\u201d<\/p>\n
Making Easter Saturday a public holiday has been vehemently opposed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, the Tourism Council of WA and Australian Hotels Association WA.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s clear that WA businesses can\u2019t afford another two days where they\u2019re paying someone $65 an hour to wash dishes,\u201d CCIWA acting co-chief executive Aaron Morey last month said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sad fact is that many small and family businesses in WA are doing it very tough at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tourism Council boss Evan Hall also said last month that \u201csmall businesses in the attraction sector cannot afford any more penalty rates put on them\u201d.<\/p>\n
Cabinet secretary Daniel Pastorelli said there had been \u201cextensive community consultation\u201d about the changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese changes were shaped by extensive community consultation, including more than 10,000 submissions from businesses, organisations, peak bodies, unions and the community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to ensure Western Australians got an even spread of public holidays throughout the year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe changes will more appropriately align us with the rest of Australia and allow economic activity to continue to thrive.<\/p>\n
\u201cMoving WA Day to November will only enhance the celebrations of our great state and gives people a long weekend ahead of the busy pre-Christmas period.\u201d<\/p>\n