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 for full-time and part-time employees: Hospitality Award 225% (2.25× base), Retail Award 225%, Restaurant Award 225%, Fast Food Award 225%, Clerks Award 250%, Aged Care 250%, Nurses 200% (250% for casuals), Building & Construction 250%. Casuals usually get 25 points more (e.g. 250% under the Retail and Hospitality awards, 275% under the Clerks Award), applied to the minimum hourly rate — 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 Full Federal Court's 2023 decision in CFMMEU v OS MCAP Pty Ltd [2023] FCAFC 51 confirmed employers must REQUEST, not unilaterally roster, public-holiday work — get it in writing.

Are public holidays the same across Australia?

Every state and territory observes New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Easter Saturday is a public holiday everywhere except WA and Tasmania, and Easter Sunday everywhere except Tasmania. 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: 2 August 2026Jump to calculator ↓

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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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