Australian Public Holidays by State
Public holidays in Australia are managed at the state and territory level, meaning that while some dates are observed nationally, others vary significantly depending on where you are in the country. These dates are governed by specific legislation in each jurisdiction, ensuring that workers and businesses have a clear framework for observed closures and entitlements.
From the variable dates of Easter to state-specific celebrations like the Melbourne Cup or the Brisbane Ekka Show, understanding the regional differences is essential for planning and compliance.
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Key Facts
- Substitute Holidays: Many states provide a "substitute" holiday on the following Monday if a fixed-date holiday falls on a weekend.
- State Legislation: Holidays are regulated by specific acts, such as the Holidays Act 1983 in Queensland and the Public Holidays Act 2023 in South Australia.
- Variable Dates: Holidays like Easter and the AFL Grand Final Friday change dates annually.
- Regional Variations: Some holidays, such as the King's Birthday in Western Australia, may be observed on different dates in regional communities.
Queensland
In Queensland, public holidays are set by the Holidays Act 1983. A key feature of the Queensland system is that most public holidays include a second public holiday on a weekday if the primary date falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Fixed and Variable Dates
- New Year's Day: 1 January (Monday substitute if on a weekend).
- Australia Day: 26 January (Monday substitute if on a weekend).
- Easter: Includes Good Friday, the day after Good Friday (Saturday), and Easter Monday.
- Anzac Day: 25 April (observed 26 April if the 25th is a Sunday).
- Labour Day (May Day): First Monday in May.
- King's/Queen's Birthday: First Monday in October.
- Christmas and Boxing Day: 25 and 26 December. If either falls on a weekend, substitute holidays are provided on 27 or 28 December.
The state minister may proclaim additional holidays, such as the Brisbane Ekka Show day. This is typically the second Wednesday in August, unless August has five Wednesdays, in which case it is the third Wednesday.
New South Wales (NSW)
Public holidays in NSW are regulated by the New South Wales Public Holidays Act 2010 No 115. While they generally follow national patterns, the State Government resolves special cases via proclamation.
A notable specific date in NSW is the Bank Holiday, which occurs on the first Monday in August, resulting in the closure of banks and financial institutions.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Jervis Bay Territory
The ACT generally observes the same public holidays as New South Wales, with two distinct additions:
- Canberra Day: Observed on the second Monday of March since 2007.
- Reconciliation Day: Observed on the Monday closest to 27 May.
South Australia
Governed by the Public Holidays Act 2023, South Australia has a comprehensive list of fixed and part-day holidays.
Annual Observances
- New Year's Day: 1 January (Monday substitute if on a weekend).
- Australia Day: 26 January (Monday substitute instead of the day if on a weekend).
- Adelaide Cup Day: Second Monday in March.
- Easter: Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.
- Anzac Day: 25 April.
- King's Official Birthday: Second Monday in June.
- Labour Day: First Monday in October.
- Christmas Eve: 24 December (part-day holiday from 7pm to midnight).
- Christmas Day: 25 December (Monday substitute if on a weekend).
- Proclamation Day: 26 December. Substitutes are provided on Monday (if Saturday), or Tuesday (if Sunday or Monday).
- New Year's Eve: 31 December (part-day holiday from 7pm to midnight).
Victoria
Victorian holidays are regulated by the Victorian Public Holidays Act 1993. Entitlements for employees often depend on whether they are covered by a federal award or agreement under the Workchoices system.
Special Victorian Holidays
Victoria includes unique observances such as the Melbourne Cup Day (first Tuesday of November), though this may be substituted by local cup or show days in western regions. Additionally, the Friday before the AFL Grand Final is a legislated public holiday.
Restricted shop trading laws apply on Good Friday, Christmas Day, and before 1 pm on Anzac Day, meaning only exempted businesses may open.
Western Australia
Western Australia observes a mix of fixed and substitute holidays. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is typically observed as a public holiday.
Current and Future Changes
The Cook government announced intentions to align more dates with other states starting in 2028. Proposed changes include:
- Introducing Easter Saturday and Perth Royal Show day.
- Moving Labour Day to the second Monday in March (or third Monday in election years).
- Moving the King's Birthday to the second Monday in June.
- Moving Western Australia Day to the second Monday in November.
Summary of State Holiday Patterns
| State/Territory | Unique/Specific Holiday | Labour Day Timing | Substitute Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Brisbane Ekka Show Day | 1st Monday in May | Commonly Monday substitute |
| NSW | Bank Holiday (August) | National Pattern | By Proclamation |
| ACT | Canberra Day / Reconciliation Day | National Pattern | Follows NSW |
| South Australia | Adelaide Cup / Proclamation Day | 1st Monday in October | Specific rules per holiday |
| Victoria | Melbourne Cup / AFL Grand Final Friday | 2nd Monday in March | Regulated by 1993 Act |
| Western Australia | Western Australia Day | 1st Monday in March | Commonly Monday substitute |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend in Queensland?
Most public holidays in Queensland include a second public holiday on a weekday if they fall on a Saturday or Sunday, meaning both days are treated as public holidays.
Which state observes the AFL Grand Final Friday as a holiday?
Victoria observes the Friday before the AFL Grand Final as a public holiday, which was legislated by the Victorian Parliament through amendments to the Public Holidays Act 1993.
How is the Brisbane Ekka Show day determined?
It is generally proclaimed for the second Wednesday in August. However, if August contains five Wednesdays, the holiday is moved to the third Wednesday of the month.
Are there part-day public holidays in Australia?
Yes, South Australia observes part-day public holidays on Christmas Eve (24 December) and New Year's Eve (31 December), both running from 7pm until midnight.
What are the restricted trading days in Victoria?
Restricted shop trading laws in Victoria apply to Good Friday, Christmas Day, and the period before 1 pm on Anzac Day; only exempted businesses may trade during these times.