Christmas 2017: A state-by-state guide to public holidays and trading hours

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Christmas Day falls on a Monday this year, marking yet another long weekend over the festive period.

It’s crunch time for retailers, but as shopping centres turn on last-minute late night shopping events and Boxing Day sales, it’s important for all businesses to know which dates and times are classified as public holidays in their states.

This year will also be the first time new public holiday penalty rates will apply at Christmas to a variety of awards after the Fair Work Commission made changes to loading levels for those in retail, pharmacy and hospitality this year. Find out what the new rates mean for your staff with this guide from the Fair Work Ombudsman. 

The following dates are considered public holidays in these each state, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman:

Australian Capital Territory

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26, Boxing Day

Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day

New South Wales

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26, Boxing Day

Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day

Northern Territory

Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve: from 7:00pm until midnight, this is considered a public holiday and staff should be paid as such.

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26, Boxing Day

Sunday, December 31, New Year’s Eve: from 7:00pm until midnight

Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day

Queensland

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26, Boxing Day

Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day

South Australia

Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve: from 7:00pm until midnight

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26, Boxing Day/Proclamation Day

Sunday, December 31, New Year’s Eve: from 7:00pm until midnight

Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day

Tasmania

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26, Boxing Day

Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day

Victoria

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26, Boxing Day

Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day

Western Australia

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26, Boxing Day

Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day

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