WA Public Holiday Shakeup: Beyond Long Weekends, a Shift in Economic Power
An extra $147 million annually. That’s the projected cost to Western Australian businesses from the state government’s sweeping changes to the public holiday calendar, set to take effect in 2028. While Premier Roger Cook frames the move – adding Easter Saturday and a new ‘Show Day’ alongside shifts to existing holidays – as a win for workers and alignment with the rest of Australia, the economic implications are far more complex. This isn’t simply about more days off; it’s a potential reshaping of WA’s economic relationship with the eastern states and a test of the resilience of its small business sector.
The New Holiday Landscape: A Detailed Breakdown
From 2028, Western Australians will enjoy 13 public holidays annually, up from 11. The key changes include:
- Easter Saturday becoming a public holiday, bringing WA into line with all states except Tasmania.
- The introduction of ‘Show Day’, a weekday holiday coinciding with the first Monday of the September-October school holidays (with regional flexibility).
- The King’s Birthday moving to the second Monday in June.
- WA Day shifting to the second Monday in November.
- Labour Day moving to the second Monday in March (and the third Monday in March during State election years).
These changes, stemming from a bill expected in WA Parliament this week, are based on what the government claims was “overwhelming” public support, gathered from over 10,000 submissions. But the business community paints a starkly different picture.
The Business Backlash: More Than Just Penalty Rates
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA), the Tourism Council WA, and the Australian Hotels Association WA have all voiced strong opposition. Their concerns extend beyond the immediate financial burden of increased penalty rates. Aaron Morey of CCIWA highlighted the struggle of small businesses, stating they “can’t afford another two days where they’re paying someone $65 an hour.” This isn’t just about wages; it’s about operational disruption, reduced productivity, and the potential for businesses to scale back operations or even close.
The tourism sector, already grappling with post-pandemic recovery, faces further challenges. Evan Hall of the Tourism Council WA argues that additional penalty rates will disproportionately impact small attractions. The core issue is competitiveness. WA businesses already operate with higher costs than their eastern counterparts in some sectors; increased public holidays exacerbate this disparity.
The Inter-State Economic Impact: A Growing Divide?
Premier Cook argues the changes will improve efficiency in doing business with the eastern states by aligning holiday schedules. However, this argument overlooks a crucial point: WA’s economic strength often lies in its difference. Its unique resource sector and distinct business environment allow it to operate on its own terms. Standardizing holidays could inadvertently diminish this advantage, forcing WA businesses to compete on a level playing field where they may not have inherent cost advantages.
This shift also raises questions about the future of remote work. Will the increased number of public holidays encourage more WA residents to work remotely, potentially diverting economic activity away from the state? The government hasn’t fully addressed this potential consequence.
Beyond 2028: Potential Future Trends
The WA public holiday shakeup is a microcosm of a larger trend: the evolving relationship between work, leisure, and economic productivity. Several key trends are likely to emerge in the coming years:
- Increased Demand for Flexible Work Arrangements: Employees will increasingly prioritize flexibility, potentially leading to a rise in four-day workweeks or compressed work schedules to offset the impact of more public holidays.
- Sector-Specific Impacts: Industries reliant on weekend or holiday trade (tourism, hospitality, retail) will need to adapt through innovative staffing models and pricing strategies.
- Automation and Technology Adoption: Businesses may accelerate the adoption of automation technologies to reduce reliance on labor during peak periods and offset increased labor costs.
- Regional Disparities: The impact of ‘Show Day’ will vary significantly across regional WA, potentially creating economic imbalances.
Furthermore, the success of this policy hinges on effective implementation and ongoing monitoring. The government’s commitment to “extensive community consultation” must continue beyond the initial bill passage. Regular reviews and adjustments will be crucial to mitigate unintended consequences and ensure the changes genuinely benefit both workers and the WA economy.
The debate over WA’s public holidays isn’t just about days off; it’s about the future of work, the competitiveness of the state’s economy, and the delicate balance between worker wellbeing and business viability. What are your predictions for the long-term impact of these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
