The McGowan Government has delivered on its election commitment to make Easter Sunday a public holiday from 2022.
Western Australia will now have 11 public holidays each year, finally bringing WA in line with most of the other States and Territories.
Easter Sunday is already observed as a public holiday in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.
Employees who are required to work on Easter Sunday will benefit from an increased penalty rate, rising from the ordinary Sunday rate to a public holiday penalty rate.
The provisions of the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 2021 establishing Easter Sunday as a public holiday have been proclaimed and employers and employees can now plan ahead for the first Easter Sunday public holiday on April 17, 2022.
New provisions have also been implemented in the State industrial relations system for Easter Sunday public holiday entitlements to ensure that State awards and agreements recognise the new Easter Sunday public holiday.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Delivering on this election commitment means WA’s Easter weekend will now include three public holidays and benefits people who work on Easter Sunday.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to deliver on what we committed to in less than a year. This is an example of the strong work my Government has been undertaking in industrial reforms working with industry, unions and workers to achieve better outcomes.
“The additional public holiday means WA will observe 11 public holidays each year and brings WA in line with most other States and Territories.”
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston:
“Easter Sunday being a public holiday recognises the cultural and religious significance of this day to many Western Australians.
“Western Australia is now in alignment with Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory, which all observe Easter Sunday as a public holiday.
“Those hard working Western Australians who work on Easter Sunday will receive any applicable public holiday entitlements for Easter Sunday in 2022 and future years.”
