❓ Hon. Simon Ehrenfeld questions the Premier regarding WA Day celebrations, potential changes to the date, and bicentenary plans, particularly concerning Aboriginal community involvement. The Premier's response indicates consideration but no decisions made.
AnsweredQoN 334Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Public holidays
334. Hon Simon Ehrenfeld to the Leader of the House representing the Premier:
I refer to the
commemoration of WA Day, which marks our 1 June 1829 foundation, and celebrates
the distinct historical and cultural identity of our state, now encompassing
our Aboriginal, colonial and immigrant heritage.
(1) Given comments allegedly made by the Premier
and cited in The West Australian on 10 June
2025 that it was "ridiculous" we celebrate this important day out of
line with different public holidays in other states, will the Premier now
assure the people of Western Australia that he has moved on from this thought
bubble and that, on reflection, he regards our state's proud history as more
important than a few hours of business alignment with the eastern states?
(2) Given that the commemoration has long been
celebrated over the weekend closest to our foundation anniversary, how are
calls to change the date any more acceptable than the calls to change the date
of Australia Day?
(3) With the bicentenary of Western Australia less
than four years away, can the Premier advise on the government's planned and
budgeted initiatives to ensure all Western Australians have the opportunity to
participate in community-led celebrations marking 200 years of Western
Australian achievement?
(4) If plans are underway, is dialogue occurring
with key stakeholders in Aboriginal communities to ensure the celebrations can
be as unifying and forward-looking as possible?
334. Hon Simon Ehrenfeld to the Leader of the House representing the Premier:
I refer to the
commemoration of WA Day, which marks our 1 June 1829 foundation, and celebrates
the distinct historical and cultural identity of our state, now encompassing
our Aboriginal, colonial and immigrant heritage.
(1) Given comments allegedly made by the Premier
and cited in The West Australian on 10 June
2025 that it was "ridiculous" we celebrate this important day out of
line with different public holidays in other states, will the Premier now
assure the people of Western Australia that he has moved on from this thought
bubble and that, on reflection, he regards our state's proud history as more
important than a few hours of business alignment with the eastern states?
(2) Given that the commemoration has long been
celebrated over the weekend closest to our foundation anniversary, how are
calls to change the date any more acceptable than the calls to change the date
of Australia Day?
(3) With the bicentenary of Western Australia less
than four years away, can the Premier advise on the government's planned and
budgeted initiatives to ensure all Western Australians have the opportunity to
participate in community-led celebrations marking 200 years of Western
Australian achievement?
(4) If plans are underway, is dialogue occurring
with key stakeholders in Aboriginal communities to ensure the celebrations can
be as unifying and forward-looking as possible?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The government is considering
opportunities to modernise public holidays in Western Australia. No decisions
have been made.
(3) Planning for Western Australia's bicentenary
is underway. No decisions have been made.
(4) Yes.
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The government is considering
opportunities to modernise public holidays in Western Australia. No decisions
have been made.
(3) Planning for Western Australia's bicentenary
is underway. No decisions have been made.
(4) Yes.
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