Public Holidays 2022/2023
We’ve had a lot of questions about the Christmas public holidays for Queensland, this year, so here is an explainer.
Christmas Eve Saturday 24th December – part day Public holiday from 6pm.
This was won by SDA members campaigning the Palaszczuk Labor government in 2019 and now means public holiday rates apply for work after 6pm and is voluntary for most SDA members. All non-exempt stores (large supermarkets, hardware stores and department stores) must close at 6pm.
Christmas Day Sunday 25th December Public Holiday & Tuesday 27th Additional Public Holiday
Christmas day Sunday 25th is a restricted trading day, which means only certain shops and businesses are allowed to open. Non-Exempt stores are not allowed to open. Exempt stores include but are not limited to chemists, petrol sites, small independent supermarkets and fast food places are allowed to open. These are public holidays and public holiday rates apply for work done on the day and is voluntary for most SDA members.
In 2011 the Bligh Labor Government legislated to make sure that whenever Christmas day or Boxing Day fell on a Saturday or a Sunday, both the actual Christmas day or Boxing Day as well as the following Monday/Tuesday were Public Holidays. This year Sunday 25th December, Monday 26th December and Tuesday 27th December are automatically public holidays with public holiday rates applying to these days and voluntary work for most SDA members.
Boxing Day Monday 26th December Public holiday
Boxing Day Monday 26th of December is a public holiday and public holiday rates apply for work done on the day and is voluntary for most SDA members.
New Years Day Sunday 1st January Public holiday & Monday 2nd January Additional Public Holiday
In the past, New Years Day used to be substituted to the Monday whenever it fell on a Saturday or a Sunday. This was unfair to weekend workers. These are public holidays and public holiday rates apply for work done on the day and is voluntary for most SDA members.
Australia Day Thursday 26th of January Public holiday
Australia Day is a public holiday and public holiday rates apply for work done on the day and is voluntary for most SDA members.
The SDA continues to work to improve public holiday entitlements for SDA members and Australian workers. If you need any further clarification of these public entitlements in relation to your particular roster please call the SDA office and speak with one of our team on 07 3833 9500.
To view company specific information on public holidays, please click the links below: