As we slip into cooler mornings that come with Autumn and can more readily justify the scoffing of hot cross buns, it’s important to remember that there are a number of public holidays that can impact your business planning.  We’ve got Easter and not long afterwards is ANZAC Day so to take some pressure off this hectic period for you, following are the gazetted public holidays and the regular list of important things you need to remember so your payroll is handled correctly.

Public holidays

X = not a gazetted public holiday.  Normal Saturday/Sunday rates apply.

* Note that Tasmania also recognises 2 April 2024 (Easter Tuesday) as a public holiday but generally only for Public Service.

Northern Territory

The May Day public holiday falls on Monday 6May 2024 so make sure you note that in your calendar as a gazetted holiday.

Queensland

Labour Day is coming up and also falls on Monday 6 May 2024 so remember to pencil in another public holiday over this period.

The other very important details

If your full or part time employee usually works on a day that is deemed a Public Holiday, it is categorised as a paid day without working.

If the public holiday falls on a day that an employee is not normally rostered to work, you don’t need to do anything. 

For example, your part time engineer works only on Monday and Tuesday every week.  When it comes to Easter, you do not pay them for Good Friday (29 March 2024) but you will need to pay them for Easter Monday (1 April 2024).

Remember also that anyone who is working on days gazetted as a public holiday may be entitled to public holiday loading.  This is determined by the modern award or EBA relevant to your industry or specific business so make sure you check it to avoid problems with incorrect payments.

If you are still unsure as to how to apply your respective award or EBA, contact the HR Staff n’ Stuff team for guidance.  We’re always here to help – especially when it comes to managing any surplus chocky Easter eggs that you are struggling to eat yourself!