The Government has officially declared Easter Sunday to be a public holiday.
As a result, Western Australia will now have 11 public holidays each year, bringing the State in line with other States and Territories.
Easter Sunday is already observed as a public holiday in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and the ACT.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Bill Johnston said employees who were required to work on Easter Sunday would benefit from an increased penalty rate, rising from the ordinary Sunday rate to a public holiday penalty rate.
“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,” Mr Johnston said.
He said the move recognised the cultural and religious significance of the day to many Western Australians and would benefit hard-working employees.
Premier, Mark McGowan said the decision delivered on a commitment to extend Easter public holiday benefits to three days.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to deliver on what we committed to in less than a year,” Mr McGowan said.
“This is an example of the strong work Government has been undertaking in industrial reforms, working with industry, unions and workers to achieve better outcomes,” he said.
