The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has released information for employers and employees regarding Christmas and New Year public holidays.
In a statement, the Department noted that Christmas Day (25 December) fell on a Friday this year.
“This means that Boxing Day is on Saturday, 26 December automatically making Monday (28 December) a public holiday as well, the Department said.
New Year’s Day will be on Friday, 1 January 2021, which was a public holiday.
“When Boxing Day falls on a Saturday the next following Monday is also a public holiday under the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972. However, employment entitlements for public holidays will vary based on an employee’s award coverage and employment arrangements,” the Department said.
“Employers and employees in the State industrial relations system can visit the Christmas New Year public holiday employment arrangements page on our website.”
The page provides an overview of the Christmas New Year public holiday employment arrangements as well as detailed information on the public holiday for workers employed under a number of awards.
It said these included the State system award-free employees; employees under the Shop and Warehouse Award; employees under the Restaurant, Tearoom and Catering Workers Award; and employees under the Hairdressers Award.
The statement said Wageline, which could be contacted on 1300 655 266 would be able to answer questions about public holidays for State system employers and employees.
