Christmas Shutdown + Public Holiday Pay Rights
Christmas Day 25 Dec, Boxing Day, NYE shifts, forced annual leave, no leave left — pick your situation, award and state to get clear rights and the right pay rates.
Last verified: 16 May 2026CHRISTMAS / NYE 2026-27 RIGHTS CHECKER
Christmas Day = Fri 25 Dec 2026, Boxing Day substitute = Mon 28 Dec 2026, NYD = Fri 1 Jan 2027. Pick your situation, award and state to see your rights.
Public-holiday pay rates
- Christmas Day (Fri 25 Dec 2026), Boxing Day public holiday (Mon 28 Dec 2026) and New Year's Day (Fri 1 Jan 2027) are gazetted public holidays in NSW.
- Working on a gazetted public holiday: under Hospitality Industry General Award MA000009, you should be paid the public-holiday penalty rate (typically 250% adult / 275% casual).
- Permanent employees who don't work a public holiday still get paid as if they had worked their ordinary hours (no deduction for the day off).
- If you weren't paid the right rate, you can claim back-pay for up to 6 years.
Related Articles
Your employer can direct you to take annual leave in limited circumstances: business shutdowns and excessive leave balances. Know the rules, notice periods, and your rights.
Can My Boss Make Me Work on a Public Holiday? (Your Rights)Your boss wants you in on a public holiday. Do you have to go? Here's the deal on your right to refuse, the reasonable request test, penalty rates, and how casual and permanent workers are treated differently under Australian law.
Casual Workers & Public Holidays: Pay Rates, Refusal Rights & PenaltiesCasual employees working public holidays typically earn 2.75x their base rate. Learn about penalty rates by award, your right to refuse work, the reasonable request test, substitute days, and state-specific holidays in 2026.
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