2024 Easter (& Other) Public Holidays – Eastern States

As we continue the charge into 2024 and with Easter just around the corner, employers are reminded that all FOUR days across the long weekend will be observed as public holidays in Queensland, NSW, the ACT and Victoria. Different arrangements may apply in other states and territories.

Public holidays across Easter (and beyond) for Queensland, NSW, the ACT and Victoria are set as follows:

DateDayHoliday
29 March 2024FridayGood Friday
30 March 2024SaturdayThe day after Good Friday
31 March 2024SundayEaster Sunday
1 April 2024MondayEaster Monday
25 April 2024ThursdayAnzac Day
6 May 2024MondayLabour Day (QLD only)
27 May 2024MondayReconciliation Day (ACT only)
10 June 2024*MondayKing’s Birthday (excl. QLD)

*Note:  The King’s Birthday holiday referenced above applies in all states and territories except Queensland and Western Australia.

Victoria will also observe Labour Day on Monday, 11 March 2024, while the ACT will be observing Canberra Day.

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

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).