Am I paid for public holidays I don't work?

Full-time and part-time employees are paid their ordinary rate of pay for a public holiday they're rostered to work but don't (i.e. they get the day off paid). Casuals are NOT paid for public holidays they don't work — they're only paid if they actually work the day, at the higher penalty rate. National Employment Standards (NES) ss114-116, Fair Work Act 2009.

What is the public holiday penalty rate in Australia?

Penalty rates vary by Modern Award. Common rates: Hospitality Award 225% (2.25× base), Retail Award 250% (2.5×), Restaurant Award 225%, Fast Food Award 225%, Clerks Award 250%, Aged Care 250%, Nurses 200% (250% for casuals), Building & Construction 250%. Casual employees receive the penalty rate ON TOP of casual loading in some awards but not others — check your award.

Can my boss force me to work on a public holiday?

An employer can request you to work on a public holiday only if the request is reasonable. You can refuse if your refusal is reasonable. The Fair Work Act 2009 (NES s114) sets factors: nature of work, personal circumstances (family responsibilities), if extra pay/penalty applies, type of employment, notice given. The 2024 Federal Court decision in CFMEU v OS MCAP confirmed employers must REQUEST, not unilaterally roster, public-holiday work — get it in writing.

Are public holidays the same across Australia?

National holidays are the same across all states: New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day. Each state then adds state-specific days: Labour Day on different dates, Queen's/King's Birthday on different dates, plus state-unique days like Reconciliation Day (ACT), Picnic Day (NT), Melbourne Cup Day (VIC), Royal Queensland Show (QLD).

What if a public holiday falls on a weekend?

Most state Public Holidays Acts substitute the next non-holiday weekday. For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, the substitute holiday is Monday 27 December. Check your specific state's rules — some states have different substitution rules. Boxing Day and ANZAC Day in particular have varying treatment when they fall on a weekend.

Public Holiday Calendar + Pay Calculator

Every Australian public holiday by state for 2026 and 2027 + a calculator showing what you'd earn working one. Updated automatically — Easter dates computed from the Computus algorithm so they're always right.

Last verified: 21 May 2026

Show holidays for

State / territory

Year

Next public holiday in NSW

Labour Day

Mon, 5 Oct 2026 · in 65 days

NSW public holidays 2026

New Year's DayThu, 1 Jan 2026

Australia DayMon, 26 Jan 2026

Good FridayFri, 3 Apr 2026

Easter SaturdaySat, 4 Apr 2026

Easter SundaySun, 5 Apr 2026

Easter MondayMon, 6 Apr 2026

ANZAC DaySat, 25 Apr 2026

ANZAC Day (additional)NSW onlyMon, 27 Apr 2026

King's BirthdayNSW onlyMon, 8 June 2026

Labour DayNSW onlyMon, 5 Oct 2026

Christmas DayFri, 25 Dec 2026

Boxing DaySat, 26 Dec 2026

Boxing Day (additional)Mon, 28 Dec 2026

What you'd earn working a public holiday

Award

Employment type

Base hourly rate (AUD)

Hours worked

Total pay for the day

$504.00

$63.00/hr (base × 2.25×) · $280.00 premium over base

Sources

• Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) Part 2-2 Division 10 — Public Holidays (NES ss114-116)
• State Public Holidays Acts (each jurisdiction)
• Modern Award penalty rates (FWC published rates)
• CFMEU v OS MCAP Mining (2024) — request-not-roster requirement
• Easter dates computed from the Computus algorithm
• Last verified 2026-05-02.

Easter 2026 Penalty Rates Calculator

Easter 2026 falls April 3-6. Calculate your exact penalty rate by award. Hospitality, retail, nursing and 40 more awards covered.

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 & Penalties

Casual 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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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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