UPDATE: Western Australia is set to welcome two new public holidays starting in 2028, a significant overhaul to the state’s holiday calendar that aims to modernize and align with other regions. Premier Roger Cook confirmed that Easter Saturday and Show Day will be added, boosting the total number of public holidays from 11 to 13 each year.
The new holidays are designed to better match the rhythm of life in WA, ensuring that workers receive the breaks they deserve. The Easter Saturday holiday will join existing Easter celebrations, including Good Friday and Easter Monday, bringing WA in line with all states and territories except Tasmania. Meanwhile, Show Day will be celebrated on the first Monday of the September/October school holidays, with regional councils given the flexibility to choose another date in September.
In a bid to streamline the holiday calendar, the King’s Birthday holiday will shift from late September to the second Monday in June, aligning with most states except Queensland. Additionally, Labour Day will now be observed on the second Monday in March, aligning with Victoria, while in state election years, it will occur on the third Monday to prevent elections from coinciding with long weekends. Furthermore, WA Day will move from the first Monday in June to the second Monday in November.
The Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025 is set to be introduced this week following an impressive response from the public, with over 10,000 submissions received from businesses, unions, and community members.
Premier Cook stated, “These changes are about modernizing WA’s public holiday calendar in a way that reflects the needs and values of our community.” He emphasized that the balance between community needs and economic strength is crucial, asserting, “I believe this new schedule ensures our economy remains the strongest in the nation while workers get the break they deserve.”
These developments are significant for Western Australians who will benefit from a more inclusive and practical holiday calendar. The new public holidays reflect a commitment to community values and the need for workers to have scheduled breaks.
As the bill moves forward, residents and businesses alike will be watching closely to see how these changes will impact future planning and celebrations. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
