Western Australia’s New Day Off: In a significant move that brought Western Australia into alignment with most other Australian states, Easter Sunday was established as a public holiday in Western Australia in February 2022. This groundbreaking decision has transformed the Easter weekend experience for millions of Western Australians, providing them with an additional day of rest and celebration during one of Christianity’s most important observances.
The Historic Decision: A Long-Awaited Change
The establishment of Easter Sunday as a public holiday in Western Australia represents more than just another day off work. This change was introduced by the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 2021 and commenced early in 2022. The decision addressed a long-standing disparity between Western Australia and other Australian jurisdictions, as Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory all previously observed Easter Sunday as a public holiday.
Legislative Framework and Implementation
The implementation of this new public holiday required comprehensive legislative changes. The Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972, which specifies public holidays for Western Australia, was amended to make Easter Sunday a public holiday. Additionally, the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 was amended to recognise Easter Sunday as a public holiday for employers and employees in the state industrial relations system.
For workers covered by the national industrial relations system, the integration was even more seamless. The Fair Work Act 2009 and national modern awards automatically recognised the new Easter Sunday public holiday for entitlement purposes.
Understanding the Significance of Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday holds profound religious and cultural significance that extends far beyond its designation as a public holiday. Easter Sunday is the most important date in the Christian church, commemorating the day when, according to biblical accounts, Mary Magdalene found an empty tomb where Jesus had been placed. This makes it probably the most important holiday of the Christian year, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus.
The decision to recognize Easter Sunday as a public holiday acknowledges not only the religious significance of the day but also its cultural importance in Australian society. It provides families and communities with the opportunity to gather, reflect, and participate in traditional Easter celebrations without the pressure of work obligations.
Cultural and Economic Impact
The introduction of Easter Sunday as a public holiday has had far-reaching implications for Western Australia’s cultural landscape and economy. Retail businesses, hospitality venues, and tourism operators have had to adjust their operations to accommodate the new holiday arrangements. Many businesses now experience extended closure periods during the Easter weekend, while others capitalize on increased leisure time for family activities and travel.
The hospitality and tourism sectors have particularly benefited from this change, as extended Easter weekends encourage domestic travel and family gatherings. Regional areas across Western Australia have reported increased visitor numbers during Easter periods, contributing to local economies and supporting tourism-dependent businesses.
Western Australia’s Complete Public Holiday Landscape
With the addition of Easter Sunday, Western Australia now observes a comprehensive range of public holidays that reflect both national Australian traditions and state-specific celebrations. The state’s public holiday calendar includes:
National Public Holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Australia Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- ANZAC Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Western Australia-Specific Holidays:
- Labour Day (first Monday in March)
- Western Australia Day (first Monday in June)
- King’s Birthday (last Monday in September or first Monday in October)
- Easter Sunday (newly added in 2022)
Regional Variations and Special Considerations
Western Australia’s vast geography and diverse communities have necessitated some regional variations in public holiday observances. The King’s Birthday public holiday date is observed on an alternate date in the areas of Port Hedland and Karratha, with these areas typically observing the public holiday on the first Monday in August.
These regional variations recognize the unique needs and traditions of different communities across the state, ensuring that public holidays remain relevant and meaningful to local populations.
Employment Rights and Entitlements
The establishment of Easter Sunday as a public holiday has created new employment rights and entitlements for Western Australian workers. Under Australian labour law, all employees are provided with a paid day off for public holidays, and the Fair Work Act of 2009 requires that all employers provide additional pay to their employees that are required to work on a public holiday.
For employees required to work on Easter Sunday, most work contracts in Australia provide employees with a pay rate of double and one half their normal per hour rate for all work completed on a holiday. This ensures fair compensation for those whose roles require them to work during public holidays.
Impact on Different Employment Sectors
Different employment sectors have experienced varying impacts from the introduction of Easter Sunday as a public holiday:
Retail and Hospitality: Many retail establishments now close on Easter Sunday, while hospitality venues may operate with reduced hours or premium pricing to account for holiday pay rates.
Healthcare and Emergency Services: Essential services continue to operate with appropriate staffing and compensation arrangements.
Manufacturing and Industrial: Production schedules have been adjusted to accommodate the additional holiday, with some facilities planning maintenance during extended shutdown periods.
Looking Forward: Future Holiday Considerations
The successful implementation of Easter Sunday as a public holiday in Western Australia demonstrates the state’s commitment to worker welfare and cultural recognition. This precedent may influence future discussions about additional public holidays or modifications to existing ones.
Western Australia Day, originally named Foundation Day, was formally changed to WA Day in April 2012 to be more inclusive, celebrating all Western Australians by recognising Western Australia’s Aboriginal history in addition to the early European settlers and everyone else who has made Western Australia their home. This evolution shows how public holidays can adapt to reflect changing social values and inclusivity.
Economic Benefits and Community Wellbeing
The addition of Easter Sunday as a public holiday contributes to improved work-life balance for Western Australian workers. Extended weekends provide opportunities for rest, family time, and community engagement that benefit both individual wellbeing and social cohesion.
From an economic perspective, additional public holidays can stimulate domestic tourism and retail spending as people have more leisure time for travel and shopping. Local businesses in tourist destinations and entertainment venues often experience increased revenue during holiday periods.
Table: Western Australia Public Holidays 2025
| Holiday | Date | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | National | |
| Australia Day | January 27 | National | Observed Monday due to Sunday occurrence |
| Labour Day | March 3 | State | First Monday in March |
| Good Friday | April 18 | National | |
| Easter Sunday | April 20 | State | New holiday since 2022 |
| Easter Monday | April 21 | National | |
| ANZAC Day | April 25 | National | |
| Western Australia Day | June 2 | State | First Monday in June |
| King’s Birthday | September 29 | State | Last Monday in September |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | National | |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | National |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Easter Sunday become a public holiday in Western Australia? A: Easter Sunday was established as a public holiday in Western Australia in February 2022, following legislative changes introduced by the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 2021.
Q: Do all Australian states observe Easter Sunday as a public holiday? A: No, while most states including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, ACT, and now Western Australia observe Easter Sunday as a public holiday, some states like South Australia and Tasmania do not recognize it as a general public holiday.
Q: What happens if I’m required to work on Easter Sunday in Western Australia? A: If you’re required to work on Easter Sunday, you’re entitled to additional compensation, typically at double-time-and-a-half your normal hourly rate, as per standard public holiday provisions.