Overview
- The Cook government will introduce the Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025 to parliament this week to remake Western Australia’s public holiday calendar.
- Two new holidays will be created — Easter Saturday and a weekday Show Day tied to the first Monday of the September–October school holidays — lifting the annual total from 11 to 13 from 2028.
- Three dates will shift: the King’s Birthday moves to the second Monday in June, WA Day to the second Monday in November, and Labour Day to the second Monday in March, or the third Monday in state election years.
- Government analysis puts the extra annual wage bill for employers at about $147 million, while peak business groups and the Opposition warn of higher costs, citing estimates up to $200 million.
- Officials say more than 10,000 submissions showed overwhelming support, with a two‑year lead‑in after passage, and the premier would not rule out free Perth Royal Show entry on Show Day.