In an electrifying move that has set social media ablaze, Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has declared not one, but two additional public holidays for the Perth and Peel regions. This unprecedented gesture comes as a direct reward for the West Coast Eagles' stunning victory in the AFL Grand Final.
The announcement, made just hours after the final siren echoed across the MCG, means workers and students in the affected areas will enjoy a day off on both the Friday before the Grand Final and the following Monday. The decision is a masterstroke in populist politics, instantly captivating a sports-mad public.
A Victory for the Fans and the Economy?
Premier McGowan framed the surprise holidays as a fitting tribute to a team that has "united the state." He emphasised that it allows families and communities to properly celebrate the magnificent achievement together, turning a single day of triumph into a four-day long weekend of festivities.
However, the move hasn't been met with universal applause. While the retail and hospitality sectors are rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of increased trade, other business owners have voiced significant concerns. The loudest objections come from the small business community and the hospitality sector itself, who face the double-edged sword of potential higher sales but also the burden of penalty rates on the newly declared holidays.
Who Wins and Who Loses?
The complex implications are still being untangled:
- Employees: The clear winners are the workforce, who get an unexpected paid break to revel in the glory.
- Small Businesses: Many fear the financial strain of having to pay staff award wages or penalty rates, potentially wiping out a day's profits.
- Schools & Parents: The sudden announcement has left schools scrambling to adjust timetables and parents arranging last-minute childcare.
This isn't the first time a sporting victory has triggered a public holiday in WA. A similar holiday was granted in 1992 and 1994 for America's Cup wins, and more recently in 2007 for the Eagles' last Grand Final win, setting a popular precedent.
The state government, however, remains steadfast. They argue that the economic boost from people celebrating—spending money on gatherings, travel, and in pubs and restaurants—will ultimately benefit the wider economy and outweigh the initial costs. For the residents of Perth and Peel, the debate is secondary to the pure, unadulterated joy of an unexpected day off, cementing this AFL victory as one for the history books.
