2022 Easter (& Other) Public Holidays

With 2022 rolling on following a significantly disrupted start, some business owners might already be looking ahead longingly towards Easter. As has been the case in recent years, all FOUR days across the 2022 Easter weekend will be observed as public holidays in Queensland, NSW, the ACT and Victoria. Different arrangements apply in other states and territories.

Anzac Day will fall on a Monday this year, meaning there is no need for a substitute or additional public holiday to be observed (as was the case in some states in 2021). In Queensland, restrictions on trading hours will apply on Monday, 25 April. Check whether your business can lawfully operate on 25 April here.

Upcoming public holidays include:

DateDayHoliday
15 April 2022FridayGood Friday
16 April 2022SaturdayThe day after Good Friday
17 April 2022SundayEaster Sunday
18 April 2022MondayEaster Monday
25 April 2022MondayAnzac Day
2 May 2022MondayLabour Day

NOTE: the Labour Day holiday referenced above is applicable in Queensland only.

Under the Modern Awards, all work performed on a public holiday will attract the designated public holiday penalty (often, double time and a half). Permanent (full-time and part-time) employees who are not required to work because of a public holiday will be entitled to be absent without loss of pay for the day. A small number of Modern Awards, including the Registered & Licensed Clubs Award 2020 and the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, also entitle full-time employees to the benefit of a public holiday falling on a rostered day off.

Subscribers who are unsure of their employees’ entitlements with respect to public holidays should contact the ES advice line on (07) 3220 3500 for assistance or try our live chat portal below (ideal for those quick queries).