Part-day public holiday in force tomorrow

Queensland business owners are being reminded of their obligations ahead of tomorrow’s Christmas Eve part-day public holiday.

Last year, Queensland workers became eligible for a part-day public holiday from 6pm-midnight on the night before Christmas.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said Christmas Eve is an important time, with many families celebrating the festive season.

“Christmas Eve should be spent with loved ones, but if you have to work there should be appropriate pay,” Ms Grace said.

“Under the laws we passed last year, employees who work between 6pm and midnight on Christmas Eve are entitled to receive public holiday penalty rates, as provided for in their awards or agreements.

“Now that the part-day public holiday is in place, essential service workers, retail staff and shop employees will get a little extra in their pay-packet for having to give up that family time.

“The declaration of a part-day public holiday also allows employees to refuse to work under reasonable circumstances on the part-day.”

Last year, Queensland became the third Australian jurisdiction to implement a Christmas Eve part day public holiday, following similar moves by South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The Palaszczuk Government amended the Holidays Act 1983 to provide for the Christmas Eve part-day public holiday in 2020 following strong community support for the new part-day public holiday during public consultation.

More information is available at www.oir.qld.gov.au and https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/travel/holidays/public

ENDS

Media contact: Jan Martin - 0439 341 314