Western Australia Day declared

• Premier applauds bipartisan support for renaming of Foundation Day

• Royal Assent granted today by West Australian Governor

This year's Foundation Day public holiday (June 4) will be the first known as Western Australia Day following the formal assent of the Western Australia Day (renaming) Bill 2011.

Premier Colin Barnett today attended the Bill's Royal Assent at Government House with His Excellency Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC, Governor of Western Australia.

"As the 29th Premier of Western Australia, I am very pleased with the bipartisan support that enabled the recent passing of legislation to rename Foundation Day to Western Australia Day," Mr Barnett said.

"Foundation Day is traditionally celebrated on the first Monday of June each year to mark the day when the first European settlers, under the command of Captain

James Stirling RN, Lieutenant Governor, arrived from Britain to settle the Swan River Colony.

"Given that this day also acknowledges our indigenous people as the original inhabitants and traditional custodians of the land and unites all who have made WA their home, it is, more than 180 years later, now appropriate that Foundation Day be known as Western Australia Day.

"The significance of European settlement will not be lost and the day will now also be relevant to people who migrated to WA from around the world."

The Premier said that by introducing Western Australia Day, WA had done something no other State had - introduced a public holiday in the State's name.

"In doing this, Western Australia Day also celebrates our State's achievements and the vital role we play in the development of our nation," he said.

      Fact File

• Western Australia Day will be celebrated on Monday June 4, 2012

• More information at http://www.celebratewa.com.au

Premier's office - 6552 5000