The Western Australian Government’s four-week public consultation period on potential changes to the State’s public holiday schedule has now closed.
Almost 10,000 submissions were received from individuals, businesses and peak bodies across WA. The Premier’s Parliamentary Secretary Daniel Pastorelli also met directly with key stakeholders to further discuss the potential changes and ensure their voices were heard.
The feedback will help inform any potential changes aimed at better aligning WA’s public holidays with other Australian jurisdictions, supporting economic activity and productivity, and recognising WA’s unique spirit and diversity.
“I’m pleased to see that almost 10,000 community members provided feedback to our Public Holiday Review consultation,” said Premier, Roger Cooko.
“This strong response reflects widespread interest in the opportunities presented by public holiday reform.
“As I have said before, we recognise that any decision to reform the State’s public holiday schedule needs to include consideration of the impact of the change, whether the private and public sectors or the WA community.
“We are listening, and we’ll use this feedback to shape a public holiday schedule that reflects who we are as Western Australians – while also boosting productivity and make life easier by aligning with other states and territories.
“Thank you to all participants for their contributions to this transparent and inclusive reform process.”
Proposed reforms under consideration include:
- Realigning existing State public holidays such as Labour Day, WA Day and the King’s Birthday to match other states and territories;
- Moving WA Day to avoid the winter season to enable broader community participation in outdoor celebrations;
- Introducing a new public holiday/s.
The Government says preliminary analysis of submissions indicates strong support for changes to WA’s public holidays. This analysis will help to inform any next steps in the review process.
“The consultation process is about making sure all views and ideas can be considered ahead of any legislative changes,” said Mr Pastorelli.
“I have met with several representative bodies and key stakeholders across the sector to ensure their views are heard.
“It is important that with any change to our public holiday calendar that we get the balance right, so workers can get the break they deserve, and economic activity can continue to thrive in WA.”
Recognising the need for community, business, and organisational planning, any changes are not proposed to take effect until 2027 or 2028, the Government confirmed.
