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 225% adult / 250% casual (cl 29.2)).
- 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.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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