Could hospitality be hit by two new WA holidays?
Western Australia will get two extra public holidays and move its long-standing WA Day celebration to later in the year under changes announced by Premier Roger Cook.
Not everyone is pleased.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA warned the extra days off will put pressure on small and family-run businesses. Chief economist Aaron Morey said the change would hit the sector hard.
“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 per cent 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.”
Until now, WA Day has marked the founding of the Swan River Colony on June 1, 1829. But Cook said the holiday would shift to November, “giving us the chance to celebrate our day in warmer weather”. The move comes after years of festivities being disrupted by heavy rain and storms. From now on, WA Day will be observed on the second Monday in November.
The state is also introducing Easter Saturday as a public holiday – already recognised in several other states – and Show Day in September, to coincide with the Perth Royal Show.
WA will also adjust its King’s Birthday and Labour Day holidays to better line up with other states.
Morey estimated the cost to business at more than $100 million a year in extra penalty rates.
Jonathan Jackson, 15th September 2025
