Roger Cook has distanced WA from its “pretty macabre” history, as he defended his overhaul of public holidays against Opposition criticism that it abandons historical accuracy.

The Premier said he was surprised to hear Basil Zempilas argue that WA Day should stay in June to celebrate the moment the first woman settler cut down a tree to mark the foundation of the Swan River Colony.

The official ceremony, featuring Helena Dance because James Stirling’s wife was ill, was held on 12 August 1829.

But on Monday, Mr Cook got the date wrong too, as he argued the occasion has “evolved”.

“I think it was around May, wasn’t it? April or May? But can I just say, the idea of just celebrating Western Australia by chopping down a tree is pretty macabre,” he said.

“WA Day is actually about the peo

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