Latest news with #ChamberofCommerceandIndustryWA
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
More holidays in richest state could boost productivity
Workers in Australia's wealthiest state could get more time off. Western Australians currently have the second fewest number of public holidays in the nation, with 11. That's two less than Victoria and the ACT, which each have 13, while South Australia and the Northern Territory have 12 full days. NSW and Queensland also have 11 public holidays, and Tasmania has 10, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman. The WA government is reviewing the state's public holidays to potentially better align them with the east and boost productivity. "Western Australia is the engine room of the national economy, and I want to keep it that way," Premier Roger Cook said on Sunday. "It's also important that WA workers receive similar benefits to what workers receive in other states, because that's the right thing to do." The WA government is considering moving existing public holidays to align with other jurisdictions, moving WA Day, currently held in June, to avoid winter, and adding extra public holidays. It's calling for feedback from the community, businesses and peak bodies about potential changes to the holiday schedule. The state's peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, said aligning WA's public holidays with the rest of the country made sense and would be welcomed. "But WA businesses would oppose extra public holidays," acting chief executive Aaron Morey said. "The cold, hard fact of the matter is that small businesses are doing it very tough at the moment." UnionsWA said it "wholeheartedly" supported the review. "Families are having to work flat-out to keep up with the cost of living and meet all the demands of modern life," state secretary Rikki Hendon said. "Public holidays are now one of the few genuine opportunities for working people to stop, relax, spend time with friends and family, and actually enjoy some of the fruits of their labour." The United Workers Union said WA was the only mainland jurisdiction that did not recognise the Easter Saturday public holiday. It means WA workers rostered on Easter Saturday do not receive a higher rate of pay. State secretary Carolyn Smith said it was time for parity with the other states. "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," she said. "It's also a chance to explain to nay-sayers that bringing WA into line with other states will not cause the sky to fall in." National holidays, such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Boxing Day, are not being reviewed. Some jurisdictions also have regional, part-day and sector public holidays not included in the totals listed in this story. Workers in Australia's wealthiest state could get more time off. Western Australians currently have the second fewest number of public holidays in the nation, with 11. That's two less than Victoria and the ACT, which each have 13, while South Australia and the Northern Territory have 12 full days. NSW and Queensland also have 11 public holidays, and Tasmania has 10, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman. The WA government is reviewing the state's public holidays to potentially better align them with the east and boost productivity. "Western Australia is the engine room of the national economy, and I want to keep it that way," Premier Roger Cook said on Sunday. "It's also important that WA workers receive similar benefits to what workers receive in other states, because that's the right thing to do." The WA government is considering moving existing public holidays to align with other jurisdictions, moving WA Day, currently held in June, to avoid winter, and adding extra public holidays. It's calling for feedback from the community, businesses and peak bodies about potential changes to the holiday schedule. The state's peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, said aligning WA's public holidays with the rest of the country made sense and would be welcomed. "But WA businesses would oppose extra public holidays," acting chief executive Aaron Morey said. "The cold, hard fact of the matter is that small businesses are doing it very tough at the moment." UnionsWA said it "wholeheartedly" supported the review. "Families are having to work flat-out to keep up with the cost of living and meet all the demands of modern life," state secretary Rikki Hendon said. "Public holidays are now one of the few genuine opportunities for working people to stop, relax, spend time with friends and family, and actually enjoy some of the fruits of their labour." The United Workers Union said WA was the only mainland jurisdiction that did not recognise the Easter Saturday public holiday. It means WA workers rostered on Easter Saturday do not receive a higher rate of pay. State secretary Carolyn Smith said it was time for parity with the other states. "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," she said. "It's also a chance to explain to nay-sayers that bringing WA into line with other states will not cause the sky to fall in." National holidays, such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Boxing Day, are not being reviewed. Some jurisdictions also have regional, part-day and sector public holidays not included in the totals listed in this story. Workers in Australia's wealthiest state could get more time off. Western Australians currently have the second fewest number of public holidays in the nation, with 11. That's two less than Victoria and the ACT, which each have 13, while South Australia and the Northern Territory have 12 full days. NSW and Queensland also have 11 public holidays, and Tasmania has 10, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman. The WA government is reviewing the state's public holidays to potentially better align them with the east and boost productivity. "Western Australia is the engine room of the national economy, and I want to keep it that way," Premier Roger Cook said on Sunday. "It's also important that WA workers receive similar benefits to what workers receive in other states, because that's the right thing to do." The WA government is considering moving existing public holidays to align with other jurisdictions, moving WA Day, currently held in June, to avoid winter, and adding extra public holidays. It's calling for feedback from the community, businesses and peak bodies about potential changes to the holiday schedule. The state's peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, said aligning WA's public holidays with the rest of the country made sense and would be welcomed. "But WA businesses would oppose extra public holidays," acting chief executive Aaron Morey said. "The cold, hard fact of the matter is that small businesses are doing it very tough at the moment." UnionsWA said it "wholeheartedly" supported the review. "Families are having to work flat-out to keep up with the cost of living and meet all the demands of modern life," state secretary Rikki Hendon said. "Public holidays are now one of the few genuine opportunities for working people to stop, relax, spend time with friends and family, and actually enjoy some of the fruits of their labour." The United Workers Union said WA was the only mainland jurisdiction that did not recognise the Easter Saturday public holiday. It means WA workers rostered on Easter Saturday do not receive a higher rate of pay. State secretary Carolyn Smith said it was time for parity with the other states. "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," she said. "It's also a chance to explain to nay-sayers that bringing WA into line with other states will not cause the sky to fall in." National holidays, such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Boxing Day, are not being reviewed. Some jurisdictions also have regional, part-day and sector public holidays not included in the totals listed in this story. Workers in Australia's wealthiest state could get more time off. Western Australians currently have the second fewest number of public holidays in the nation, with 11. That's two less than Victoria and the ACT, which each have 13, while South Australia and the Northern Territory have 12 full days. NSW and Queensland also have 11 public holidays, and Tasmania has 10, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman. The WA government is reviewing the state's public holidays to potentially better align them with the east and boost productivity. "Western Australia is the engine room of the national economy, and I want to keep it that way," Premier Roger Cook said on Sunday. "It's also important that WA workers receive similar benefits to what workers receive in other states, because that's the right thing to do." The WA government is considering moving existing public holidays to align with other jurisdictions, moving WA Day, currently held in June, to avoid winter, and adding extra public holidays. It's calling for feedback from the community, businesses and peak bodies about potential changes to the holiday schedule. The state's peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, said aligning WA's public holidays with the rest of the country made sense and would be welcomed. "But WA businesses would oppose extra public holidays," acting chief executive Aaron Morey said. "The cold, hard fact of the matter is that small businesses are doing it very tough at the moment." UnionsWA said it "wholeheartedly" supported the review. "Families are having to work flat-out to keep up with the cost of living and meet all the demands of modern life," state secretary Rikki Hendon said. "Public holidays are now one of the few genuine opportunities for working people to stop, relax, spend time with friends and family, and actually enjoy some of the fruits of their labour." The United Workers Union said WA was the only mainland jurisdiction that did not recognise the Easter Saturday public holiday. It means WA workers rostered on Easter Saturday do not receive a higher rate of pay. State secretary Carolyn Smith said it was time for parity with the other states. "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," she said. "It's also a chance to explain to nay-sayers that bringing WA into line with other states will not cause the sky to fall in." National holidays, such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Boxing Day, are not being reviewed. Some jurisdictions also have regional, part-day and sector public holidays not included in the totals listed in this story.
West Australian
2 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
WA public holidays: Premier says additional days would be win for State despite industry's fears
Public holiday reform will give West Australians more of a break through more of the year according to Roger Cook, despite industry concern over an increase in days paying higher rates. 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.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
More holidays in richest state could boost productivity
Workers in Australia's wealthiest state could get more time off. Western Australians currently have the second fewest number of public holidays in the nation, with 11. That's two less than Victoria and the ACT, which each have 13, while South Australia and the Northern Territory have 12 full days. NSW and Queensland also have 11 public holidays, and Tasmania has 10, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman. The WA government is reviewing the state's public holidays to potentially better align them with the east and boost productivity. "Western Australia is the engine room of the national economy, and I want to keep it that way," Premier Roger Cook said on Sunday. "It's also important that WA workers receive similar benefits to what workers receive in other states, because that's the right thing to do." The WA government is considering moving existing public holidays to align with other jurisdictions, moving WA Day, currently held in June, to avoid winter, and adding extra public holidays. It's calling for feedback from the community, businesses and peak bodies about potential changes to the holiday schedule. The state's peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, said aligning WA's public holidays with the rest of the country made sense and would be welcomed. "But WA businesses would oppose extra public holidays," acting chief executive Aaron Morey said. "The cold, hard fact of the matter is that small businesses are doing it very tough at the moment." UnionsWA said it "wholeheartedly" supported the review. "Families are having to work flat-out to keep up with the cost of living and meet all the demands of modern life," state secretary Rikki Hendon said. "Public holidays are now one of the few genuine opportunities for working people to stop, relax, spend time with friends and family, and actually enjoy some of the fruits of their labour." The United Workers Union said WA was the only mainland jurisdiction that did not recognise the Easter Saturday public holiday. It means WA workers rostered on Easter Saturday do not receive a higher rate of pay. State secretary Carolyn Smith said it was time for parity with the other states. "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," she said. "It's also a chance to explain to nay-sayers that bringing WA into line with other states will not cause the sky to fall in." National holidays, such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Boxing Day, are not being reviewed. Some jurisdictions also have regional, part-day and sector public holidays not included in the totals listed in this story.
The Advertiser
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Cashed-up state to spend 'like we've never seen before'
Another big budget surplus in Australia's richest state will fund infrastructure spending "like we've never seen before" in a bid to boost jobs and combat global instability. Western Australian Treasurer Rita Saffioti will deliver her second budget on Thursday, with the 2024/25 surplus projected to be $3.1 billion, dropping to $2.5 billion for 2025/26. Ms Saffioti on Wednesday flagged "major spending on economic infrastructure", saying "it's not sexy" but it is essential. "In a time of global instability, and we've seen the incredible shocks that are happening around the world over the past months and even this past week, we need to double down on our efforts to support new jobs and make sure we invest in ... industry," she said. "This is very much a focus on economic infrastructure to the like we've never seen before." Ms Saffioti said water and energy supply and developing ports would be "a big focus". Economist Alan Duncan said WA's resource-rich economy was among the strongest in the nation and "that creates opportunities", but stronger-than-anticipated "headwinds" had taken a toll on the overall growth. These include falling commodity prices, uncertainty among international trading partners, a lack of housing, and workforce constraints. "Growth in gross state product, including exports and imports, that's going to be a notch down," the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre director said "But from a domestic point of view, it looks like we'll be posting some pretty strong growth figures." Professor Duncan said affordable housing initiatives to boost supply were also likely to be a key feature in the budget. This will help solve the problem of accommodating workers moving to the state and assist in "unlocking the full potential of the WA economy". "It's a bit of a chicken and egg situation," he said. The government has already announced millions of dollars in budget measures, including cash to improve the health system and transport routes. It's also promised to spend money to boost the workforce, increase housing supply and bolster local manufacturing. The state's peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, urged the government to boost funding for local manufacturing and cost relief for small and family businesses. Master Builders said the construction industry needed at least another 40,000 workers over the coming years to deliver the housing needed in WA. WA Council of Social Service said the Cook government had made some promising cost-of-living relief and affordable housing announcements in recent months but more were needed. "We're still looking for more targeted relief measures for those in our community who are doing it toughest," acting chief executive Rachel Siewert said. Shelter WA said the state needed action, not tinkering at the edges, to combat the housing emergency. "This means serious investment to scale up social and affordable housing supply and more support for the community housing sector to deliver solutions," Chair Kieran Wong said. "The government leads a prosperous state with a strong mandate and the community is desperately crying out for action." The WA Greens expected record funding to be budgeted for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and environmental protection measures. Another big budget surplus in Australia's richest state will fund infrastructure spending "like we've never seen before" in a bid to boost jobs and combat global instability. Western Australian Treasurer Rita Saffioti will deliver her second budget on Thursday, with the 2024/25 surplus projected to be $3.1 billion, dropping to $2.5 billion for 2025/26. Ms Saffioti on Wednesday flagged "major spending on economic infrastructure", saying "it's not sexy" but it is essential. "In a time of global instability, and we've seen the incredible shocks that are happening around the world over the past months and even this past week, we need to double down on our efforts to support new jobs and make sure we invest in ... industry," she said. "This is very much a focus on economic infrastructure to the like we've never seen before." Ms Saffioti said water and energy supply and developing ports would be "a big focus". Economist Alan Duncan said WA's resource-rich economy was among the strongest in the nation and "that creates opportunities", but stronger-than-anticipated "headwinds" had taken a toll on the overall growth. These include falling commodity prices, uncertainty among international trading partners, a lack of housing, and workforce constraints. "Growth in gross state product, including exports and imports, that's going to be a notch down," the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre director said "But from a domestic point of view, it looks like we'll be posting some pretty strong growth figures." Professor Duncan said affordable housing initiatives to boost supply were also likely to be a key feature in the budget. This will help solve the problem of accommodating workers moving to the state and assist in "unlocking the full potential of the WA economy". "It's a bit of a chicken and egg situation," he said. The government has already announced millions of dollars in budget measures, including cash to improve the health system and transport routes. It's also promised to spend money to boost the workforce, increase housing supply and bolster local manufacturing. The state's peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, urged the government to boost funding for local manufacturing and cost relief for small and family businesses. Master Builders said the construction industry needed at least another 40,000 workers over the coming years to deliver the housing needed in WA. WA Council of Social Service said the Cook government had made some promising cost-of-living relief and affordable housing announcements in recent months but more were needed. "We're still looking for more targeted relief measures for those in our community who are doing it toughest," acting chief executive Rachel Siewert said. Shelter WA said the state needed action, not tinkering at the edges, to combat the housing emergency. "This means serious investment to scale up social and affordable housing supply and more support for the community housing sector to deliver solutions," Chair Kieran Wong said. "The government leads a prosperous state with a strong mandate and the community is desperately crying out for action." The WA Greens expected record funding to be budgeted for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and environmental protection measures. Another big budget surplus in Australia's richest state will fund infrastructure spending "like we've never seen before" in a bid to boost jobs and combat global instability. Western Australian Treasurer Rita Saffioti will deliver her second budget on Thursday, with the 2024/25 surplus projected to be $3.1 billion, dropping to $2.5 billion for 2025/26. Ms Saffioti on Wednesday flagged "major spending on economic infrastructure", saying "it's not sexy" but it is essential. "In a time of global instability, and we've seen the incredible shocks that are happening around the world over the past months and even this past week, we need to double down on our efforts to support new jobs and make sure we invest in ... industry," she said. "This is very much a focus on economic infrastructure to the like we've never seen before." Ms Saffioti said water and energy supply and developing ports would be "a big focus". Economist Alan Duncan said WA's resource-rich economy was among the strongest in the nation and "that creates opportunities", but stronger-than-anticipated "headwinds" had taken a toll on the overall growth. These include falling commodity prices, uncertainty among international trading partners, a lack of housing, and workforce constraints. "Growth in gross state product, including exports and imports, that's going to be a notch down," the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre director said "But from a domestic point of view, it looks like we'll be posting some pretty strong growth figures." Professor Duncan said affordable housing initiatives to boost supply were also likely to be a key feature in the budget. This will help solve the problem of accommodating workers moving to the state and assist in "unlocking the full potential of the WA economy". "It's a bit of a chicken and egg situation," he said. The government has already announced millions of dollars in budget measures, including cash to improve the health system and transport routes. It's also promised to spend money to boost the workforce, increase housing supply and bolster local manufacturing. The state's peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, urged the government to boost funding for local manufacturing and cost relief for small and family businesses. Master Builders said the construction industry needed at least another 40,000 workers over the coming years to deliver the housing needed in WA. WA Council of Social Service said the Cook government had made some promising cost-of-living relief and affordable housing announcements in recent months but more were needed. "We're still looking for more targeted relief measures for those in our community who are doing it toughest," acting chief executive Rachel Siewert said. Shelter WA said the state needed action, not tinkering at the edges, to combat the housing emergency. "This means serious investment to scale up social and affordable housing supply and more support for the community housing sector to deliver solutions," Chair Kieran Wong said. "The government leads a prosperous state with a strong mandate and the community is desperately crying out for action." The WA Greens expected record funding to be budgeted for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and environmental protection measures. Another big budget surplus in Australia's richest state will fund infrastructure spending "like we've never seen before" in a bid to boost jobs and combat global instability. Western Australian Treasurer Rita Saffioti will deliver her second budget on Thursday, with the 2024/25 surplus projected to be $3.1 billion, dropping to $2.5 billion for 2025/26. Ms Saffioti on Wednesday flagged "major spending on economic infrastructure", saying "it's not sexy" but it is essential. "In a time of global instability, and we've seen the incredible shocks that are happening around the world over the past months and even this past week, we need to double down on our efforts to support new jobs and make sure we invest in ... industry," she said. "This is very much a focus on economic infrastructure to the like we've never seen before." Ms Saffioti said water and energy supply and developing ports would be "a big focus". Economist Alan Duncan said WA's resource-rich economy was among the strongest in the nation and "that creates opportunities", but stronger-than-anticipated "headwinds" had taken a toll on the overall growth. These include falling commodity prices, uncertainty among international trading partners, a lack of housing, and workforce constraints. "Growth in gross state product, including exports and imports, that's going to be a notch down," the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre director said "But from a domestic point of view, it looks like we'll be posting some pretty strong growth figures." Professor Duncan said affordable housing initiatives to boost supply were also likely to be a key feature in the budget. This will help solve the problem of accommodating workers moving to the state and assist in "unlocking the full potential of the WA economy". "It's a bit of a chicken and egg situation," he said. The government has already announced millions of dollars in budget measures, including cash to improve the health system and transport routes. It's also promised to spend money to boost the workforce, increase housing supply and bolster local manufacturing. The state's peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, urged the government to boost funding for local manufacturing and cost relief for small and family businesses. Master Builders said the construction industry needed at least another 40,000 workers over the coming years to deliver the housing needed in WA. WA Council of Social Service said the Cook government had made some promising cost-of-living relief and affordable housing announcements in recent months but more were needed. "We're still looking for more targeted relief measures for those in our community who are doing it toughest," acting chief executive Rachel Siewert said. Shelter WA said the state needed action, not tinkering at the edges, to combat the housing emergency. "This means serious investment to scale up social and affordable housing supply and more support for the community housing sector to deliver solutions," Chair Kieran Wong said. "The government leads a prosperous state with a strong mandate and the community is desperately crying out for action." The WA Greens expected record funding to be budgeted for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and environmental protection measures.
Perth Now
18-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Cashed-up state to spend 'like we've never seen before'
Another big budget surplus in Australia's richest state will fund infrastructure spending "like we've never seen before" in a bid to boost jobs and combat global instability. Western Australian Treasurer Rita Saffioti will deliver her second budget on Thursday, with the 2024/25 surplus projected to be $3.1 billion, dropping to $2.5 billion for 2025/26. Ms Saffioti on Wednesday flagged "major spending on economic infrastructure", saying "it's not sexy" but it is essential. "In a time of global instability, and we've seen the incredible shocks that are happening around the world over the past months and even this past week, we need to double down on our efforts to support new jobs and make sure we invest in ... industry," she said. "This is very much a focus on economic infrastructure to the like we've never seen before." Ms Saffioti said water and energy supply and developing ports would be "a big focus". Economist Alan Duncan said WA's resource-rich economy was among the strongest in the nation and "that creates opportunities", but stronger-than-anticipated "headwinds" had taken a toll on the overall growth. These include falling commodity prices, uncertainty among international trading partners, a lack of housing, and workforce constraints. "Growth in gross state product, including exports and imports, that's going to be a notch down," the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre director said "But from a domestic point of view, it looks like we'll be posting some pretty strong growth figures." Professor Duncan said affordable housing initiatives to boost supply were also likely to be a key feature in the budget. This will help solve the problem of accommodating workers moving to the state and assist in "unlocking the full potential of the WA economy". "It's a bit of a chicken and egg situation," he said. The government has already announced millions of dollars in budget measures, including cash to improve the health system and transport routes. It's also promised to spend money to boost the workforce, increase housing supply and bolster local manufacturing. The state's peak business group, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, urged the government to boost funding for local manufacturing and cost relief for small and family businesses. Master Builders said the construction industry needed at least another 40,000 workers over the coming years to deliver the housing needed in WA. WA Council of Social Service said the Cook government had made some promising cost-of-living relief and affordable housing announcements in recent months but more were needed. "We're still looking for more targeted relief measures for those in our community who are doing it toughest," acting chief executive Rachel Siewert said. Shelter WA said the state needed action, not tinkering at the edges, to combat the housing emergency. "This means serious investment to scale up social and affordable housing supply and more support for the community housing sector to deliver solutions," Chair Kieran Wong said. "The government leads a prosperous state with a strong mandate and the community is desperately crying out for action." The WA Greens expected record funding to be budgeted for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and environmental protection measures.
