Public holidays in Australia are paid differently from regular working days, and as a working holiday maker you are entitled to the same penalty rates as any other worker. Understanding how public holidays work is important for making sure you are paid correctly and for knowing your rights if your employer asks you to work on one.
National public holidays
Australia has a set of public holidays that apply across the entire country regardless of which state you are in. These include New Year's Day on 1 January, Australia Day on 26 January, Good Friday and Easter Monday which vary each year, ANZAC Day on 25 April, Christmas Day on 25 December, and Boxing Day on 26 December.
The King's Birthday is also a national public holiday, but the date on which it is observed varies by state. In most states it falls in June, but in Western Australia and Queensland it is observed at different times of the year.
State-specific public holidays
In addition to the national holidays, each state and territory has its own public holidays. Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in Victoria but not elsewhere. The Royal Queensland Show (the Ekka) is a public holiday in Brisbane. Labour Day falls on different dates in different states.
As a working holiday maker moving between states, check the specific public holidays for wherever you are currently based. The Fair Work website maintains an up-to-date list by state.
What pay rate applies on public holidays?
If you work on a public holiday, you are generally entitled to a penalty rate on top of your normal hourly wage. The exact rate depends on your award, but in most industries the public holiday rate is 225% of your ordinary rate — double time and a quarter. This applies to both full-time and casual employees.
What if you are asked not to work on a public holiday?
Under the Fair Work Act, employers can request employees to work on a public holiday, but employees have the right to refuse if the request is unreasonable. A refusal cannot be used as grounds for termination.
Do you get a day off in lieu?
If a public holiday falls on one of your regular working days and you do not work, you are entitled to take that day off with ordinary pay. If you do work, you are paid at the penalty rate.
Overtime on public holidays
Because public holidays already attract the maximum penalty rate, there is generally no additional overtime loading for hours beyond your normal shift on that day. The public holiday rate applies to all hours worked.
Keeping track of what you are owed
On any week with a public holiday, check your payslip carefully. The public holiday rate should appear separately from your regular hours. If you believe you have been underpaid, contact Fair Work Australia or reach out to our team.
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