What are public holiday penalty rates in Australia?

Public holiday penalty rates vary by award but are typically 200% to 250% of the base rate for permanent (full-time and part-time) employees and 225% to 275% for casual employees. For example, under the General Retail Industry Award, permanent employees receive 250% and casuals receive 275% for hours worked on a public holiday.

Can my employer make me work on a public holiday?

Under the Fair Work Act, your employer can request you to work on a public holiday, but only if the request is reasonable. You can refuse if the request is unreasonable. Factors considered include the nature of the workplace, the employee's personal circumstances, whether the employee will receive penalty rates, and how much notice was given. Retail and hospitality workers are more commonly expected to work public holidays.

Do casual employees get paid for public holidays they don't work?

No. Casual employees are only paid for public holidays if they actually work on that day. Unlike permanent employees, casuals do not receive paid days off for public holidays. However, if a casual employee works on a public holiday, they typically receive a higher penalty rate (often 250-275%) to compensate for not having paid leave entitlements.

How many public holidays are there in Australia?

There are 8 national public holidays in Australia: New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, King's Birthday, and Christmas Day. In addition, each state and territory has its own public holidays (such as Melbourne Cup Day in Victoria or Reconciliation Day in the ACT), bringing the total to around 10-13 depending on where you work.

Public Holiday Rate Checker

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Last verified: 2 August 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.

Public Holiday Rate Checker

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