The WA Government held a four-week public consultation process from 13 July – 8 August 2025 on proposed changes to the State’s public holiday schedule.
The Public Holiday Review – Decision Regulatory Impact Statement (DRIS) summarises the consultation findings and the rationale behind the proposed changes to WA’s public holiday schedule.
Proposed changes to WA’s public holiday schedule
Based on feedback from community members, government agencies, businesses, peak bodies and unions during the consultation period, the new Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025 is planned to be tabled in Parliament, proposing the following updates to WA’s public holiday schedule:
- Moving Labour Day to the second Monday in March (currently the first Monday in March). During most State Election years, Labour Day will move to the third Monday in March, to avoid holding an election on a long weekend.
- Moving WA Day to the second Monday in November (currently the first Monday in June).
- Moving the King’s Birthday public holiday to the second Monday in June (currently end of September / early October).
- Recognising Easter Saturday as a public holiday and removing the additional weekday holiday.
- Introduce a new public holiday, Show Day, to be appointed by proclamation to coincide with the first Monday of the September/October school holidays.
These changes aim to better align WA’s public holidays with the rest of the country, support economic activity and productivity, and celebrate Western Australia’s spirit, diverse culture and community achievements.
When will the proposed changes take effect?
Proposed changes to WA’s public holiday schedule will be tabled in Parliament as the Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025. It is anticipated these changes will be considered and voted on by Members of Parliament by the end of 2025. The new legislation will allow changes to the dates of three existing public holidays and the introduction of two new public holidays.
To give everyone time to prepare, the proposed changes would not come into effect until 2028.
This two-year lead time would enable businesses, government agencies and organisations to make necessary administrative and industrial arrangements.
An update on the decision of the proposed bill will be provided here as more information becomes available.
If you have any questions, please email publicholidayreview@dpc.wa.gov.au.
Media statements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025?
Show moreThe Bill amends the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 and the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 to better align WA’s public holidays with other states, and introduces two new holidays: Easter Saturday and Show Day.
Why will Labour Day change in some election years?
Show moreGenerally, the public holiday will be observed on the second Monday in March.
In most State election years this would create a long weekend on election day.
In this situation, the Labour Day public holiday will be observed on the third Monday in March rather than the second Monday. This will ensure there is no unnecessary disruption, such as reduced voter turnout or regional voting centres being put under strain because of increased tourism.
What consultation was undertaken in developing the Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill?
Show moreThe proposed changes to Western Australia’s public holiday schedule were informed by public and targeted consultation.
A public consultation period ran from 13 July to 8 August 2025, during which the WA Government invited feedback from community members, businesses, peak bodies, unions, and government agencies.
Over 10,000 submissions were received via online survey, email, and postal submissions. Information was also gathered through stakeholder workshops and meetings.
Will Monday to Friday workers get a day off the following week if Easter Saturday is a public holiday?
Show moreNo. The Bill does not include an additional public holiday for Monday to Friday workers.
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