I have to work a public holiday
Penalty rates, your right to refuse, and substitute days for public holidays.
Public holiday penalty rates
If you work on a public holiday, you're entitled to penalty rates under your award. Typical public holiday penalty rates range from 225% to 250% of your base rate. For example, if your base rate is $24.10/hr, at 225% you'd earn $54.23/hr. Some awards also provide a minimum engagement of 3-4 hours.
Can I refuse to work?
Under the NES, an employer can request you to work on a public holiday, but you can refuse if the request is unreasonable. Factors considered include: the nature of the workplace, your personal circumstances (including family responsibilities), whether you could reasonably expect the request, how much notice was given, and your employment type.
Substitute days
Some awards allow employers to substitute another day for a public holiday by agreement with employees. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute day (usually the following Monday) may apply. State and territory governments determine the specific substitute arrangements for each year.
Which public holidays apply?
National public holidays apply across Australia: New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Queen's/King's Birthday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Each state and territory also has additional public holidays. Use our Public Holiday Rate Checker to see all holidays for your state.
Not working on a public holiday
If you're a full-time or part-time employee and a public holiday falls on your normal working day, you're entitled to be paid your base rate for those hours without working. Casual employees are only paid if they actually work on the public holiday.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.