Western Australia is set for a historic change to its calendar with the introduction of two new public holidays.
Western Australians are set to receive a significant boost to their time off with the announcement of two new public holidays and a shake-up to the state’s calendar. Following extensive public consultation, the Western Australian government has unveiled a new holiday schedule that aims to better align the state with the rest of Australia while also celebrating local identity.
The proposed changes, which were announced by Premier Roger Cook, will be introduced to Parliament this week as the Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025. If passed, the new schedule will come into effect in 2028, providing a two-year transition period for businesses and the community to adjust.
Two New Days Off: Easter Saturday and “Show Day”
The most notable changes are the addition of two new public holidays:
- Easter Saturday: This will bring Western Australia in line with every other Australian mainland state and territory that already observes this as a public holiday.
- Show Day: A new, unique holiday to Western Australia, Show Day will be a public holiday on the first Monday of the September/October school holidays. It’s intended to celebrate the state’s diverse culture and community and will also provide a long weekend to coincide with the annual Perth Royal Show.
These additions will increase the total number of public holidays in WA from 11 to 13 per year.
Reshuffling the Calendar: New Dates for Existing Holidays
In addition to the new holidays, the bill proposes moving the dates of three existing public holidays to create a more efficient and balanced calendar.
- Labour Day: Currently the first Monday in March, this holiday will move to the second Monday of the month to better align with other states. In state election years, it will move to the third Monday to avoid a clash with polling day.
- WA Day: The holiday celebrating the founding of the Swan River Colony will move from the first Monday in June to the second Monday in November. The move to a warmer month is expected to create a more appealing long weekend for outdoor activities and celebrations.
- King’s Birthday: The King’s Birthday holiday, currently celebrated in late September, will be shifted to the second Monday in June, bringing it into line with most other Australian states.
Economic Impact and Business Concerns
While the announcement has been met with public support, it has also sparked concerns from the business community. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) and other industry bodies have expressed opposition, citing the financial burden of an estimated $147 million in additional annual wages.
The government has stated that the two-year lead-in time is designed to give businesses ample opportunity to make the necessary administrative and industrial arrangements for a smooth transition.
Premier Cook emphasized that the changes were a result of extensive public consultation, which saw more than 10,000 submissions from a wide range of groups, including businesses, unions, and the general public. He stated that the new schedule strikes a balance between supporting the state’s economy and providing workers with a well-deserved break.
