2023 Easter (& Other) Public Holidays – Eastern States

With the first quarter of 2023 rapidly drawing to a close, employers are reminded that all FOUR days across the fast-approaching Easter weekend will be observed as public holidays in Queensland, NSW, the ACT and Victoria. Different arrangements may apply in other states and territories.

Anzac Day again falls on a weekday this year, meaning there is no need for a substitute or additional public holiday to be observed anywhere in Australia. Restrictions on trading hours will apply on Tuesday, 25 April. Queensland employers, check whether your business can lawfully operate on Anzac Day here.

Upcoming public holidays for 2023 for Queensland, NSW, the ACT and Victoria include:

DateDayHoliday
7 April 2023FridayGood Friday
8 April 2023SaturdayThe day after Good Friday
9 April 2023SundayEaster Sunday
10 April 2023MondayEaster Monday
25 April 2023TuesdayAnzac Day
1 May 2023MondayLabour Day (QLD only)
29 May 2023MondayReconciliation Day (ACT only)
12 June 2023*MondayKing’s Birthday (excl. QLD)

*Note:  The King’s Birthday holiday referenced above applies in NSW, the ACT and Victoria; it does not apply in Queensland.

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 live chat below (ideal for those quick queries).