WA public holidays: Premier says additional days would be win for State despite industry's fears
The Premier confirmed a review on Sunday that would shake up the State's public holiday calendar, with changes likely to take effect from either 2027 or 2028 by moving days like Labour Day and the King's Birthday to marry up with Eastern States' celebrations.
It will also look at permanently moving WA Day from June to November to avoid the winter weather and include Easter Saturday as a public holiday to create a four-day stretch of holidays.
A new public holiday would also be established, likely in September, although the State Government says the exact date and reason will be shaped by the
public through consultation now underway
.
The
review
is open for community consultation from both members of the public and businesses.
Despite the touted benefits for West Australian workers, the business sector reaction was mixed.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief economist Aaron Morey said the body supported some parts of the review but feared what impact more public holidays would have on businesses.
'We support alignment of public holidays, that (different holiday in different States) is a productivity drag,' he said.
'The King has far too many birthdays as it is so we do support the intent around aligning public holidays with the east coast.
'We don't support an additional public holiday. For small businesses that are doing it tough right now that just represents extra costs that they can ill afford at this time.'
Moving Australia Day will not be considered during the process, nor will changing Christmas, Boxing or Anzac Day.
The Premier said there was frustration around the current calendar.
'What I've often heard in the business community is that they're frustrated when our public holidays don't align with a lot of the public holidays in the east coast,' he said.
'I hear from a lot of people who say why do we celebrate WA which has got such amazing weather in the deepest, darkest parts of winter, and of course everyone says why are holidays so jammed in the first half of the year and not spread more evenly throughout the year?'
The move to add two more public holidays was welcomed by United Workers Union WA State Secretary Carolyn Smith.
'Our members will welcome this review and the solutions that are being considered,' she said.
'It's a long-standing issue that the public holiday playing field has been tilted against West Australians, and it's great the WA Government is considering important changes to address that.
'West Australians work just as hard as workers in the eastern states, and are just as deserving of public holidays, and this review is a chance to demonstrate that.'
Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive officer Bradley Woods warned added public holidays could lead to higher prices for consumers and some venues remaining closed.
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