From 2028, West Australians will benefit from 13 annual public holidays under sweeping reforms announced by Premier Roger Cook. The changes include Easter Saturday and a new ‘Show Day’, while three existing holidays will be shifted to better align with the national calendar.
The Western Australian Government has announced a major reshaping of the State’s public holiday schedule, marking the first significant update in decades. The reforms are aimed at modernising the calendar, balancing the needs of workers and businesses, and improving alignment with other Australian states.
The announcement follows extensive consultation with community and business groups, with more than 10,000 submissions taken into account, according to Cabinet secretary Daniel Pastorelli.
Two Extra Days off Confirmed for All WA Workers
Under the changes, Western Australia’s total number of annual public holidays will rise from 11 to 13, starting from 2028. Easter Saturday will be recognised as a public holiday—bringing WA in line with every other state and territory except Tasmania. A new weekday holiday known as Show Day will also be introduced, set to fall on the first Monday of the September–October school holidays.
According to Premier Roger Cook, the changes are a response to what he described as “overwhelming” public support and part of efforts to “strike the right balance” between economic productivity and employee wellbeing. “This is a win for families and for business,” he said, as reported by The Sunday Times.
The amendments will be formalised through the Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025, expected to be introduced into the WA Parliament this week. The State Government stated that the reforms were shaped by broad consultation across unions, businesses, community groups, and industry bodies.
However, business leaders have expressed strong opposition. Aaron Morey, acting co-CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, said last month: “WA businesses can’t afford another two days where they’re paying someone $65 an hour to wash dishes.” The Tourism Council of WA and the Australian Hotels Association WA have also voiced concerns about the financial impact on small enterprises.
Key Holiday Shifts to Better Align with Eastern States
As well as adding new holidays, the Government is restructuring the timing of three existing public holidays. The King’s Birthday will move from late September to the second Monday in June, and WA Day will shift from June to November—just ahead of the pre-Christmas period. Labour Day will also be moved to the second Monday in March, except in election years when it will be held on the third Monday to avoid overlap with polling days.
The Premier said these changes are intended to simplify business operations with other Australian states, enhancing economic coordination and reducing disruption. “We want WA’s economy to remain the strongest in the nation,” he noted.
Daniel Pastorelli added that spreading holidays more evenly throughout the year would support both work-life balance and economic activity: “Moving WA Day to November will only enhance the celebrations of our great state.” The reforms are set to come into effect from 1 January 2028.
