- Almost 10,000 submissions received from community members, businesses and peak bodies about WA public holidays
- WA Government will consider all feedback to inform decisions on any potential changes to the State's public holiday schedule
- Preliminary analysis of submissions indicates strong support for changes to WA's public holidays
The Western Australian Government's four-week public consultation period on potential changes to the State's public holiday schedule has now closed.
Almost 10,000 submissions were received from individuals, businesses and peak bodies across WA - reflecting strong community interest in the opportunities presented by public holiday reform.
The Premier's Parliamentary Secretary Daniel Pastorelli also met directly with key stakeholders to further discuss the potential changes and ensure their voices were heard.
The feedback will help inform any potential changes aimed at better aligning WA's public holidays with other Australian jurisdictions, supporting economic activity and productivity, and recognising WA's unique spirit and diversity.
Proposed reforms under consideration include:
- Realigning existing State public holidays such as Labour Day, WA Day and the King's Birthday to match other states and territories
- Moving WA Day to avoid the winter season to enable broader community participation in outdoor celebrations
- Introducing a new public holiday/s.
Preliminary analysis of submissions indicates strong support for changes to WA's public holidays. This analysis will help to inform any next steps in the review process.
Recognising the need for community, business, and organisational planning, any changes are not proposed to take effect until 2027 or 2028.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"I'm pleased to see that almost 10,000 community members provided feedback to our Public Holiday Review consultation.
"This strong response reflects widespread interest in the opportunities presented by public holiday reform.
"As I have said before, we recognise that any decision to reform the State's public holiday schedule needs to include consideration of the impact of the change, whether the private and public sectors or the WA community.
"We are listening, and we'll use this feedback to shape a public holiday schedule that reflects who we are as Western Australians - while also boosting productivity and make life easier by aligning with other states and territories.
"Thank you to all participants for their contributions to this transparent and inclusive reform process."
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary Daniel Pastorelli:
"The consultation process is about making sure all views and ideas can be considered ahead of any legislative changes.
"I have met with several representative bodies and key stakeholders across the sector to ensure their views are heard.
"It is important that with any change to our public holiday calendar that we get the balance right, so workers can get the break they deserve, and economic activity can continue to thrive in WA."
