Whether it’s a long weekend to unwind or a special day to spend with family, public holidays are a vital part of Australian working life. But not everyone understands their full entitlements when it comes to public holiday pay, rostering, or penalty rates. Knowing your rights is key to making sure you’re being treated fairly and paid properly.
To get clear, up-to-date information, the Australian Unions’ public holidays factsheet is an excellent place to start.
Table of Contents
What Are Public Holidays?
Public holidays are recognized days where most workers are legally entitled to a day off with pay. Each state and territory in Australia has its own set of public holidays in addition to national ones, like:
- New Year’s Day
- Australia Day
- Good Friday
- ANZAC Day
- Christmas Day
Depending on where you live, additional days may include Labour Day, the Queen’s/King’s Birthday, or regional show days.
Are You Entitled to a Paid Day Off?
If you’re a full-time or part-time employee and normally work on the day a public holiday falls, you’re entitled to be paid your base rate for that day, even if you don’t work. If you’re rostered on and agree to work, you may be entitled to penalty rates depending on your award or agreement.
Casual workers may also receive penalty rates if they work on a public holiday, but this varies depending on the relevant award or enterprise agreement.
Can Your Employer Make You Work on a Public Holiday?
Employers can request that you work on a public holiday, but the request must be reasonable. Likewise, you have the right to refuse if you have reasonable grounds, such as family responsibilities, religious beliefs, or long-standing personal commitments.
If you feel pressured or punished for not agreeing to work, it may be worth speaking to your union or referring to your award or agreement for guidance.
Why Public Holiday Rights Matter
Public holidays are about more than just time off—they’re part of your entitlements under the National Employment Standards (NES). When employers fail to provide the correct pay or rostering these days, it undermines workplace fairness. Ensuring you understand your rights helps maintain balance, respect, and consistency in your working life.
How Unions Help Protect Your Holiday Entitlements
Unions play a critical role in safeguarding your rights around public holidays by:
- Negotiating better penalty rates and leave provisions
- Holding employers accountable when they breach agreements
- Ensuring fair rostering practices, especially in essential and shift-based industries
If you’re not sure about your public holiday rights, take the time to read the public holidays factsheet and speak with your union. Public holidays are part of the social fabric that supports healthy, fair workplaces, and every worker deserves to benefit from them.
Understanding Public Holiday Rights in Australia
Public holidays provide rest and fairness for Australian workers, but entitlements vary. Full-time and part-time employees usually receive paid leave, while penalty rates apply for some who work. Employers must act reasonably with rostering, and unions help protect workers’ rights. Knowing entitlements ensures fair treatment.
