If you’re a proud Sandgroper, you might want to dust off your calendar and start dreaming about a few extra long weekends!

The government is floating a bold proposal that could see two brand new public holidays added to the state’s annual calendar.

This could potentially give Aussies more time to relax, recharge, and spend precious moments with family and friends.

Currently, Western Australia sits near the bottom of the national ladder when it comes to public holidays, with just 11 days off each year.

That’s fewer than most other states and territories—Victoria and the Northern Territory, for example, both enjoy a more generous helping of public holidays.

The WA Government’s new proposal aims to bring the state in line with these counterparts, ensuring West Aussies aren’t missing out on well-deserved breaks.

WA government considers adding Easter Saturday and a new September public holiday to match other states. Credit: Facebook

So, what exactly is being proposed? Here’s a quick rundown:

• Easter Saturday: While many states already recognise Easter Saturday as a public holiday, WA does not. The proposal would officially add this day to the calendar, giving workers a guaranteed day off during the Easter long weekend.
• A New September Holiday: The second addition would see a brand new public holiday introduced in September, breaking up the long stretch between winter and the end-of-year festivities.
• Shifting WA Day: There’s also talk of moving WA Day away from the chilly winter months and aligning some existing holidays with the rest of the country for consistency.

Premier Roger Cook has suggested that these changes could be an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on meaningful themes, making the holidays more than just a day off.

As you might expect, the idea of extra public holidays has sparked plenty of debate. Some West Aussies are cheering for more time off, while others worry about the impact on businesses and the economy.

‘I would love it. Always love a public holiday,’ one enthusiastic local said.

But not everyone is convinced. ‘I do think we have too many, I really think Australia has got enough,’ another resident countered.

While workers might be celebrating, many business owners are less than thrilled.

The main concern is the cost of paying staff penalty rates on public holidays.

Aaron Morey from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA pointed out that small businesses could be hit especially hard.

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Some pay up to $65 an hour for basic roles like dishwashing, which is a tough pill to swallow for many small operators.

However, the Chamber supports the idea of aligning WA’s public holidays with those on the East Coast, which could make life easier for businesses operating across state lines.

On the other side of the debate, unions and worker advocates argue that extra public holidays are good for everyone’s well-being.

Rikki Hendon from Unions WA says that more time off means more opportunities for people to spend time with loved ones, relax, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The WA Government has opened a four-week public consultation period, inviting everyone to have their say on the proposed changes.

If you’ve got strong feelings about the idea—whether you’re for or against—it’s your chance to make your voice heard!

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But don’t start planning your extra holidays just yet: even if the changes go ahead, they won’t kick in until at least 2027.

For a bit of context, here’s how WA stacks up against other states:

• Victoria: 13 public holidays
• Northern Territory: 13 public holidays
• New South Wales: 12 public holidays
• Queensland: 12 public holidays
• Western Australia: 11 public holidays (currently)

So, if the proposal goes through, WA would finally catch up with the leader of the pack.

Key Takeaways

• The WA government is considering adding two new public holidays: one to officially recognise Easter Saturday and another extra day in September, aiming to match the number of holidays in Victoria and the Northern Territory.
• Businesses are expressing concern about the extra costs associated with penalty rates if the new public holidays go ahead, while unions are supportive, arguing it’s good for workers’ wellbeing.
• There is mixed public opinion on the proposal, with some West Australians welcoming more days off and others believing Australia already has enough public holidays.
• If any changes are adopted following public consultation, they will not come into effect until 2027 at the earliest.

Would you welcome a couple of extra days off each year? Or do you worry about the impact on small businesses and the economy? Have you seen how extra public holidays work in other states, and do you think WA should follow suit? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Read more: Centrelink closures and payment changes set to impact millions this Easter and Anzac Day

 

[Johno54]

No public holidays when you retire.

 

[Luckyus]

Does Victoria, still have a public holiday for a football Game/

 

[DLHM]

For a bit of context, here’s how WA stacks up against other states:

• Victoria: 13 public holidays
• Northern Territory: 13 public holidays
• New South Wales: 12 public holidays
• Queensland: 12 public holidays
• Western Australia: 11 public holidays (currently)

What about Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT?