Basil Zempilas dubbed Barry Crocker in opposition of Easter Sat penalty rates, overhaul clears first hurdleJessica PageThe West AustralianThu, 23 October 2025 4:53PMCommentsCommentsEmail Jessica Page
An attempt by the Opposition to remove Easter Saturday penalty rates from an overhaul of WA’s public holiday calendar has failed, as the legislation passed its first hurdle.
Reform to make Easter Saturday an official holiday, create a new Show Day in October and move WA Day to November passed the Legislative Assembly, where Labor holds an overwhelming majority, on Thursday.
“We’re creating a schedule that better matches the rhythm of life in WA,” Premier Roger Cook said.
Labor accused Basil Zempilas of having a “Barry Crocker moment”, when he moved a motion “to delete Easter Saturday” and questioned the cost to businesses forced to pay triple-time.
“It is the Saturday when everybody has the day off anyway and everybody goes on holidays,” the Opposition Leader said, last week.”
But Liberal MP Liam Staltari said it was “misleading” to claim the Liberal-National alliance has vowed to “scrap” the public holiday
“It is not the position established of either party at the next election,” he said.
Treasurer Rita Saffioti used Question Time to accuse the Opposition of “waging war” against weekend workers.
“Three amendments to remove the Easter Saturday as a public holiday. So they moved that amendment. It was defeated. And what we heard today is then the Member for Carine try and backtrack a second later,” she said.
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