Public holiday entitlements for employees can be confusing, especially when multiple holidays fall close together. With Easter, Anzac Day, and Labour Day (in some states) on the way, now is the time to check your responsibilities and make sure your team is treated fairly — and legally.
This article breaks down what employers need to know, with a simple reference table and key compliance tips.
📅 Upcoming Public Holidays for Australian Employees
Depending on your state or territory, you may be affected by the following:
- Good Friday – Friday, 18 April 2025 (All States and Territories)
- Easter Monday – Monday, 21 April 2025 (All States and Territories)
- Anzac Day – Friday, 25 April 2025 (All States and Territories)
- Labour Day – Monday, 5 May 2025 (Queensland only)
You can find a complete list by state on Fair Work’s Public Holidays page.
✅ Public Holiday Entitlements for Employees – At a Glance
Here’s a quick-reference guide to help you understand what applies in different scenarios:
| What if… | What applies? | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Employee normally works on the public holiday | Must be paid their base rate for their ordinary hours – even if they don’t work. | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Employee doesn’t usually work on the public holiday | No payment is required. | Part-Time (if not rostered that day), Casual |
| Employee is asked to work on the public holiday | May refuse if the request is unreasonable – or if refusal is reasonable. | All employees |
| Employee agrees to work on the public holiday | Must be paid penalty rates or offered TOIL, depending on their award or agreement. | Full-Time, Part-Time, Casual (depending on award) |
| Employee is on paid leave (e.g. annual leave) on the holiday | The public holiday is not deducted from their leave balance. | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Employee is casual and not rostered | No entitlement to public holiday pay. | Casual |
| Business is closed on the public holiday | Employees who would normally work that day must still be paid their base rate. | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Employee is on an annualised salary | Still entitled to public holidays. If they work, check whether the employment agreement includes penalties or TOIL. | Salaried Full-Time, Part-Time |
📌 How Modern Awards Affect Public Holiday Entitlements
Most employees are covered by a Modern Award, which may include additional rules around:
- Whether an employee can be requested or required to work on a public holiday
- The rates to be paid for working on a public holiday
- Whether a day off in lieu is required or optional
It’s important to confirm the correct award coverage and understand how it impacts your team. If you’re unsure, now is the time to seek advice.
💬 Do Annualised Salaries Include Public Holiday Entitlements?
Being on an annual salary doesn’t remove an employee’s right to public holiday pay. If they work on a public holiday, the employment agreement should clearly state whether their salary covers:
- Penalty rates
- Time off in lieu (TOIL)
- Public holiday loadings
If it doesn’t, those entitlements may still be owed in addition to their regular salary.
🛠 What Employers Should Do Next
Here’s how you can prepare:
- Check your rosters and plan ahead for public holiday coverage.
- Review employment agreements, especially for salaried staff.
- Communicate early with employees about their entitlements and expectations.
- Confirm Modern Award coverage for all roles.
- Reach out for advice if anything is unclear.
✔️ Support When You Need It
At People Smartz, we help businesses navigate their obligations with confidence. Whether it’s award interpretation, reviewing entitlements, or drafting compliant employment agreements, we’re here to help.