- Changes to Western Australia's public holiday schedule set to be introduced to Parliament
- Two new public holidays to be created, with dates for three existing public holidays to be shifted
- Changes aim to better align WA's public holidays with other states and celebrate the State's unique identity
Western Australia is set to get two new public holidays under a new schedule to be introduced to Parliament this week.
The revamped schedule also proposes shifting the dates of three existing public holidays to better align WA with other states and territories and improve and support economic activity and productivity.
Following strong public support, the WA Government will introduce the Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025 this week. The Bill proposes the following changes to take effect from 2028:
- Move Labour Day to the second Monday in March to better align with other Australian states;
- During state election years (every four years), move Labour Day to the third Monday in March, to avoid holding an election on a long weekend;
- Move WA Day to the second Monday in November;
- Move the King's Birthday public holiday to the second Monday in June to better align with other Australian states;
- Recognise Easter Saturday as a public holiday to align with all other Australian mainland states; and
- Introduce a new public holiday, Show Day, to be set by proclamation to coincide with the first Monday of the September/October school holidays.
The two new public holidays aim to celebrate Western Australia's spirit, diverse culture and community achievements.
The proposed changes were shaped by extensive community consultation, including more than 10,000 submissions from businesses, not-for-profit organisations, peak bodies, unions and members of the broader community.
Subject to the passage of legislation, the new schedule will take effect in 2028, allowing for a two-year implementation period.
This lead-in time will give businesses, organisations and government agencies the opportunity to make necessary administrative and industrial arrangements, ensuring a smooth transition.
The outcomes from the public consultation are available in the Decision Regulatory Impact Statement available at www.wa.gov.au/public-holiday-review .
Once the Bill has been tabled in Parliament, next steps will include engaging further with stakeholders and providing regular updates as the legislation progresses.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"These changes are about modernising WA's public holiday calendar in a way that reflects the needs and values of our community.
"By adding two new public holidays Easter Saturday and Show Day we're creating a schedule that better matches the rhythm of life in WA.
"And by realigning three existing ones, we are supporting productivity and economic activity across the State.
"Striking the right balance was essential and I believe this new schedule ensures our economy remains the strongest in the nation, while workers get the break they deserve.
"My government is committed to developing new ideas for the future to ensure WA remains the best place in the world to live and do business.
"Thank you to everyone who contributed to the consultation. Your feedback has played a vital role in shaping a modern, inclusive and practical public holiday calendar for Western Australia."
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary Daniel Pastorelli:
"This new public holiday schedule has been shaped by extensive public consultation and created with the people of Western Australia in mind.
"More than 10,000 submissions were received from peak bodies, the business community, the not-for-profit sector, unions and, of course, the wider community.
"We have listened to their feedback and are confident that these changes will ensure WA has a fit-for-purpose public holiday calendar that will support economic productivity into the future.
"The proposed changes will come into effect in 2028, allowing a two-year implementation period following the passage of legislation and help to ensure a smooth transition."
