Public holidays

Australia observes a national set of public holidays, though the specific dates and observance rules vary by state and territory. The national public holidays include New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, King's Birthday, Labor Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Canberra Day, and Reconciliation Day. However, each state and territory sets its own public holidays and determines how to handle situations where a public holiday falls on a weekend. Some jurisdictions add substitute days or shift observance dates, while others do not provide additional compensation or alternative days off.

The Fair Work Ombudsman, operating under the Fair Work Act 2009, provides authoritative guidance on national public holiday entitlements and requirements. State and territory industrial relations bodies administer their respective variations.

A recent statutory change in Western Australia, effective May 5, 2026, establishes specific King's Birthday public holiday dates for regional areas, reflecting the state's practice of setting distinct observance dates across different regions.

Employers must verify the applicable public holidays for each location where they operate, as obligations differ by jurisdiction. When a public holiday falls on a weekend, employers should confirm whether their state or territory requires payment of a substitute day, penalty rates, or alternative arrangements. Payroll teams must ensure employees receive the correct entitlements—typically a day off or penalty rate payment—and accurately record public holiday absences in payroll systems. Compliance requires staying current with each relevant state or territory's public holiday schedule and any amendments announced by Fair Work authorities.