Media Statements

The Labour Day public holiday will be moved to the first Monday in October effective from next year after legislation was passed in Parliament last night.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said the change would bring Queensland into line with New South Wales, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.

“We will also be overturning the decision of the previous Government and returning the Queen’s Birthday holiday to June,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The Queen’s Birthday public holiday will now be consistent with all other states and territories with the exception of Western Australia.

“The changes will break-up the concentration of public holidays that generally fall in the April-May period and give workers a break in the second half of the year.

“It will also ensure the state’s tourism operators continue to capitalise on the popular Queen’s Birthday weekend.

“Tourism is one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy and we need to be doing everything possible to help kick-start the industry.

“The Queen’s Birthday long weekend falls in June, which is a traditionally quiet time for the state’s tourism industry.

“It is critical our tourism destinations have an opportunity to attract visitors during these periods and the extra day offers an incentive for local and interstate tourists to travel.”

2013 Queensland Public Holidays

·         Tuesday January 1 – New Year’s Day

·         Monday January 28 - Australia Day Public Holiday

·         Friday March 29 – Good Friday

·         Saturday March 30 – Easter Saturday

·         Monday April 1 – Easter Monday

·         Thursday April 25 – ANZAC Day

·         Monday June 10 – Queen’s Birthday

·         Monday October 7 – Labour Day Public Holiday

·         Wednesday December 25 – Christmas Day

·         Thursday December 26 – Boxing Day

Media Contact: Lisa O’Donnell 0400 986 432 or Matt Johnston 0432 535 893