6 August 2025 | The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has warned the WA Government that declaring Easter Saturday a public holiday could result in widespread hospitality venues not opening over the Easter long weekend and disproportionately impacting an industry already under financial strain.
In the AHA’s submission to the WA Government consultation, regarding public holiday reform, the hospitality industry has warned that unlike many other sectors, it is expected to remain open on public holidays. Yet hospitality businesses are uniquely burdened by the steep cost of doing so, with public holiday penalty rates reaching up to 250 percent of base wages.
A recent AHA(WA) members’ survey of more than 150 hospitality businesses across WA reveals that:
- 89.3% of businesses oppose classifying Easter Saturday as a public holiday, and
- 60% would consider closing their operations over the Easter period if the change were implemented.
“Not open = no pay. A public holiday without work isn’t a win. If businesses can’t afford to open, there’s no revenue and no wages to be paid to staff,” said AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods.
Mr Woods said the hospitality industry is not opposed to public holidays in principle and acknowledges the value. However, the unique nature of hospitality means the sector carries a disproportionate cost for keeping its doors open, especially when a Saturday public holiday does not bring increased visitation or revenue.
“This is not a normal Monday to Friday industry,” Mr Woods said. “Public holidays are when the public expects us to be open. But the cost of meeting that expectation is not shared equally across the economy.”
“For hospitality businesses, particularly in regional areas and small towns, it’s a choice between operating at a loss or closing entirely.
Mr Woods warned that the financial pressure of penalty rates, combined with the lack of trading uplift typically seen on other public holidays, means Easter Saturday would be a cost without benefit.
“This proposal unfairly targets the very businesses that serve the public on holidays. And when those businesses close, the workers lose shifts and the public misses out.
“Public holidays should bring communities together, not force businesses to turn off the lights.”
While the AHA(WA) supports reform that aligns with other jurisdictions and sees potential in rescheduling WA Day to a warmer period, it has made clear that Easter Saturday does not represent a strategic or economically viable addition.
“This isn’t about opposing holidays, it’s about ensuring that any new public holidays don’t come at the expense of jobs, businesses, or the public’s ability to enjoy the very services that holidays are meant to celebrate.”
The AHA(WA) will work with the WA Government to ensure that any changes to WA’s public holiday framework are fair, sustainable and economically viable.
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For further information, please contact Kim Forrester, media & communications executive, on 0411 777 593 or email mecom@ahawa.asn.au
The AHA(WA) is the authoritative voice for the hospitality and accommodation industry in Western Australia. Since 1892, we have protected and developed the interests of our members, through strong representation and the pursuit of industry excellence. Our mission is to ensure the hospitality industry remains a vital part of the Australian way of life and to amplify the voices of those we represent.
