Western Australia is to get two new public holidays and the date of three others moved under a new Bill to go before state parliament this week.
The government says moving the holidays will align WA with the rest of the country.
The new Bill would create a Show Day holiday on the first Monday of the state’s September/October school holidays. It will also make Easter Saturday a public holiday.
Additionally, it will move Labour Day to the second Monday, during election years, Labour Day will move to the third Monday in March to avoid a long weekend; move WA Day to the second Monday in November and move the King’s Birthday holiday to the second Monday in June.
The government says the changes are the result of public consultations and more than 10,000 submissions from businesses, non-profit organisations, peak bodies, unions and public.
If the Bill passes, the new holiday schedule will take effect in 2028 to give businesses, organisations and agencies the time to adapt.
(To view the results of the public consultation, visit www.wa.gov.au/public-holiday-review.)
WA ‘IS MODERNISING’
WA Premier Roger Cook says the changes are about “modernising” the state’s public holiday calendar.
“By adding two new public holidays, Easter Saturday and Show Day, we’re creating a schedule that better matches the rhythm of life.
“By realigning three existing ones, we are supporting productivity and economic activity across the state,” he says.
“Striking the right balance was essential. I believe this new schedule ensures our economy remains the strongest in the nation while workers get the break they deserve.”
Parliamentary Secretary Daniel Pastorelli says that the proposed new public holiday schedule “has been shaped by extensive public consultation”.
“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.”
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