The addition of two extra public holidays in Western Australia will deliver a direct hit to small and family businesses already being squeezed by rising costs, according to CCIWA Chief Economist Aaron Morey.
Under changes announced by WA Premier Roger Cook yesterday, Easter Saturday will become a holiday and a new weekday holiday will be added in September, with both dates attracting penalty rates. 
WA will now have the second highest number of public holidays in the nation.
Morey, says the move will hit businesses and the broader economy.
“We calculated that the two extra public holidays will cost WA businesses more than $100 million each year,” he said.
“Small and family businesses will now have a touch choice to make. Do they open on these new public holidays? Or do they close their doors and lose a day of revenue?”
What is in the public holiday Bill?
The WA Government will introduce the Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025 this week, with the changes to take effect from 2028.
The changes include:
- Move Labour Day to the second Monday in March to better align with other Australian states;
- During state election years (every four years), move Labour Day to the third Monday in March, to avoid holding an election on a long weekend;
- Move WA Day to the second Monday in November;
- Move the King’s Birthday public holiday to the second Monday in June to better align with other Australian states;
- Recognise Easter Saturday as a public holiday to align with all other Australian mainland states; and
- Introduce a new public holiday, Show Day, to be set by proclamation to coincide with the first Monday of the September/October school holidays.
Premier Cook said the changes were about modernising WA’s public holiday calendar in a way that reflected the needs and values of our community.
“By adding two new public holidays – Easter Saturday and Show Day – we’re creating a schedule that better matches the rhythm of life in WA,” he said.
“And by realigning three existing ones, we are supporting productivity and economic activity across the State.
“Striking the right balance was essential and I believe this new schedule ensures our economy remains the strongest in the nation, while workers get the break they deserve.”
Businesses ‘already doing it tough’
Morey said the decision comes at a time when WA businesses were already doing it tough.
“Base wages have climbed dramatically in the past few years, along with every other cost you can think of, and it’s having a real impact on smaller businesses,” he said.
“Around 10% of hospitality businesses in WA have closed their doors in the year to April.
“The addition of two more public holidays is rubbing salt in the wound for these business owners.”
Morey said the changes could also have unintended consequences for workers.
“Many businesses will decide it’s simply too expensive for them to open on these extra public holidays, and for casual workers like university students, that’s two extra days they won’t have the opportunity to make an income,” he said.
CCIWA supports the government’s decision to bring WA’s other public holidays in line with the East Coast.
To be part of WA’s peak business organisation, get in touch via 1300 422 492 or [email protected].
