WA Public Holiday Schedule to be Updated Following Community Consultation
The Western Australian government is proposing meaningful changes to the state’s public holiday schedule, informed by feedback gathered from community members, government agencies, businesses, peak bodies, and unions. These updates will be formally presented to Parliament as the Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025.
The proposed changes aim to harmonize WA’s public holidays with the national calendar, boost economic activity and productivity, and better reflect the state’s unique identity and community spirit. Key adjustments include:
* Labor Day: Shifting the date to the second Monday in March, from the current first Monday.
* WA Day: Moving the celebration to the second monday in November, a change from the existing first Monday in June.
* King’s Birthday: Relocating this public holiday to the second Monday in June, currently observed in late September or early October.
* Easter Saturday: Formal recognition as a public holiday, replacing an existing weekday holiday.
* Show Day: The introduction of a new public holiday, to be officially proclaimed and held on the first Monday of the September/October school holidays.
The Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025 is expected to be debated and voted on by Members of Parliament before the end of 2025. However, to allow sufficient time for businesses, government departments, and organizations to adjust, these changes will not be implemented untill 2028. This two-year lead time will facilitate necessary administrative and operational preparations.
Further updates regarding the bill’s progress will be provided as they become available.
