Western Australia could be set to add two extra days off to its public holiday calendar, a proposal that has stirred debate between workers and businesses. The state government is considering a major overhaul, which would bring WA in line with other regions like Victoria and the Northern Territory.
However, the proposal has met with resistance, particularly from small businesses, who are concerned about the potential cost of additional penalty rates.
Public Holidays Overhaul on the Table
Western Australia currently has 11 public holidays each year, one of the lowest in the country. This proposal aims to add two more, specifically recognising Easter Saturday as a holiday and introducing an additional day off in September.
The state government’s push to increase public holidays also includes moving WA Day from its current winter date to align with the rest of the country’s holiday calendar.
The move has drawn mixed reactions. On one hand, proponents argue that more public holidays would improve workers‘ well-being, offering them additional time to spend with family and friends.
“Workers need additional time to be able to spend with their family and friends in order to live well balanced lives that are happy and healthy,” said Rikki Hendon from Unions WA.
However, businesses, particularly those in the small and retail sectors, have expressed concern over the financial implications. Aaron Morey from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA noted that small businesses could face crippling costs, particularly with higher penalty rates for workers.
For example, businesses could pay as much as $65 an hour for staff working on a public holiday, making it financially challenging for many.
Balancing the Needs of Workers and Businesses
While the government seeks to introduce these new holidays in an effort to match the number of holidays enjoyed by other states, the economic impact on businesses cannot be ignored.
The proposal to introduce more public holidays has ignited a broader discussion about the balance between workers’ rights and the financial burden on businesses.
With many businesses operating on thin margins, the additional costs associated with these new holidays could lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced hours for staff or even increased prices for consumers.
This issue has raised questions about whether the benefits to workers outweigh the potential costs to businesses, particularly the small enterprises that form the backbone of WA’s economy.
Furthermore, the public consultation process, which is open for four weeks, will be key in shaping the final outcome of this proposal. Any changes are unlikely to take effect until 2027 at the earliest.
