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Call for Australians to get a new public holiday in May for Charles’ coronation – and one premier said will ‘consider’ it

  • The coronation of King Charles III will be held on May 6
  • Mark McGowan says WA may be given a public holiday

Aussies could get an extra public holiday to mark the coronation of King Charles III after Western Australia flagged a possible day off for the historical event.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the King’s coronation would be held in London‘s Westminster Abbey on May 6, eight months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan revealed his state may be given a public holiday. 

‘We’ll consider that in the future. No doubt it will be a historic occasion,’ he said on Sunday.

The federal government is yet to reveal whether there would be a Coronation Day public holiday but a spokesperson said the Albanese government had not ruled it out.  

No other state or territory leader has referred to the occasion or hinted at a public holiday. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be in attendance at King Charles’ coronation.

Mr McGowan confirmed that WA Governor Chris Dawson would also be at the event. 

Like Australia, New Zealand and Canada have no plans set in place for a national holiday. 

Britons have been given an additional bank holiday on May 8. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the extra bank holiday – like that of the holiday that marked Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953 – would be an opportunity for families and communities across the country to come together.

‘The coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country,’ he said.

‘In recognition of this historic occasion, I am pleased to announce an additional bank holiday for the whole United Kingdom next year.

‘I look forward to seeing people come together to celebrate and pay tribute to King Charles III by taking part in local and national events across the country in his honour.’

Premier Mark McGowan (pictured) said he was considering giving West Australians the day off to mark the historical event

Premier Mark McGowan (pictured) said he was considering giving West Australians the day off to mark the historical event

Australians enjoyed a public holiday for the late Queen's coronation ceremony (pictured) in June 1953

Australians enjoyed a public holiday for the late Queen’s coronation ceremony (pictured) in June 1953

A public holiday would have precedent in Australia. 

When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in June 1953, Australians received a special one-off public holiday. 

More than 500,000 Sydneysiders packed the harbour foreshore to mark the big occasion, held 16 months after she became head of the monarchy – the beginning of a seven decade reign. 

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Australians did get a day off for The Queen’s memorial service, called the National Day of Mourning, on September 22 last year.

Mr Albanese wrote to advise state and territory leaders of the decision to make the day a one-off public holiday. 

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